Skip to main content

Black Crappie

Black Crappie

Black crappie are found in Vermont's lakes and ponds throughout the state, while white crappie are only found in Lake Champlain.

These panfish have silvery flanks with a dark olive or black back, featuring irregular and scattered spot patterns along their sides.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Black crappie are distinguishable from white crappie by counting the spines in their dorsal fin - black crappie have 7-8 spines versus white crappie's 5-6.
  • These panfish have silvery flanks with a dark olive or black back, featuring irregular and scattered spot patterns along their sides.
  • Black crappie typically reach lengths of 10-19 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Black crappie generally relate to shallow water weedlines and nearshore structure.
  • They prefer clear, cool waters with little current and abundant cover such as submerged vegetation, fallen trees, brush piles, and boat docks.
  • They inhabit warm temperate waters typically associated with sandy to muddy bottoms.

Key Locations

  • Popular black crappie waters in Vermont include Lake Dunmore, Lake Bomoseen, Lake St.
  • Catherine, and various lakes and ponds statewide.
  • Kent Pond near Killington offers excellent opportunities.
  • Popular fishing locations include Branbury State Park on Lake Dunmore, Lake Bomoseen State Park, Lake St.
  • Catherine State Park, and various Vermont Fish & Wildlife access areas throughout the state.

Specific Spots

  • Target them around shallow water weedlines, submerged vegetation, fallen trees, brush piles, boat docks, and rocky shoreline structure.
  • Kent Pond particularly along the dam breast and around underwater vegetation.
  • Lake Dunmore provides diverse habitat with scattered aquatic vegetation patches west of swimming areas.
  • In summer, target deeper water around mid-lake rocky points, reefs, and drop-offs where they retreat from warm surface temperatures.

Black Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Black Crappie in Vermont?

Small jigs in the 1/32 to 1/16 ounce range, curly tail grubs, tube baits, small crankbaits, and mini spoons in chartreuse, white, or natural colors. Live minnows remain the gold standard bait.

When is the best time to fish for Black Crappie in Vermont?

Prime time is during spring and early summer when they move to shallow waters after spawning concludes. In Vermont, they spawn in late spring (May-June) when water temperatures reach 56-60°F. In summer, target deeper water. Ice fishing can be productive on suitable waters during winter months.

How do you catch Black Crappie in Vermont?

Fish slowly and deliberately, as black crappie are deliberate feeders that inspect baits carefully. Vertical jigging around deep structure becomes effective as fish suspend in 10-20 foot depths. Ice fishing using small jigs tipped with maggots or targeting suspended schools with electronics.

What do Black Crappie eat?

Adult black crappie are primarily piscivorous, feeding mainly on small fish like minnows and shad, while smaller individuals consume zooplankton, insect larvae, and crustaceans.

Where do Black Crappie live in Vermont?

Black crappie generally relate to shallow water weedlines and nearshore structure. They prefer clear, cool waters with little current and abundant cover such as submerged vegetation, fallen trees, brush piles, and boat docks. They inhabit warm temperate waters typically associated with sandy to muddy bottoms.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Black Crappie.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Black Crappie water

    Pick Black Crappie and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Black Crappie

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Black Crappie are.

Open the map, filter by Black Crappie, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Vermont licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore Vermont waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.