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White Crappie

White Crappie

White crappie are non-native freshwater fish introduced to Washington in the 1890s, now established in lakes and reservoirs across the state.

These compressed, silvery fish are opportunistic feeders and schooling fish that congregate around underwater structures.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis annularis

Physical Characteristics:
  • These compressed, silvery fish have 5-6 dorsal fin spines and distinctive dark vertical bars along their sides, distinguishing them from black crappie which have 7-8 spines.
  • They typically average 7-9 inches but can reach 9-15 inches in quality populations.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit sand and mud-bottomed pools, backwaters, and lake areas with structure like submerged timber, brush piles, docks, and vegetation.

Key Locations

  • Key Washington waters include Silver Lake (Cowlitz County), Moses Lake, Lake Washington, Potholes Reservoir, Eloika Lake, Newman Lake, Sacheen Lake, and Alder Lake.
  • Successful locations include the channels and shallow areas around Treehouse Island at Silver Lake, Parker Horn and Pelican Horn at Moses Lake, the southern end of Lake Washington near the Cedar River inlet, and marina areas throughout Washington's crappie lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure-rich areas including submerged timber, brush piles, boat docks, marina slips, fallen trees, weed edges, and rocky points.

White Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for White Crappie in Washington?

Small plastic tube jigs and curly-tailed grubs in bright colors (white, hot pink, chartreuse) are most productive, along with small leadhead jigs tipped with soft plastics.

When is the best time to fish for White Crappie in Washington?

White crappie fishing in Washington peaks during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when they're most active and accessible in shallower waters. Spring offers excellent action as fish move shallow before spawning, while fall provides strong feeding activity as they prepare for winter.

How do you catch White Crappie in Washington?

Vertical jigging around docks and structure is highly effective - start shallow and work deeper until you locate suspended fish. Fan casting with bobbers at varying depths (2-4 feet below float initially) helps locate the depth fish are holding.

What do White Crappie eat?

White crappie are opportunistic feeders with a diet consisting primarily of small fish like minnows, aquatic insects (including mayflies, chironomids, and chaoborids), zooplankton, and crustaceans. Adults feed most actively from June through October, with moderate feeding in spring and reduced activity in winter.

Where do White Crappie live in Washington?

They inhabit sand and mud-bottomed pools, backwaters, and lake areas with structure like submerged timber, brush piles, docks, and vegetation.

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