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Black Crappie

Black Crappie

Black crappie are widely distributed throughout Wisconsin in all three drainage basins (Lake Michigan, Mississippi River, and Lake Superior), though they're absent from streams in the driftless area of southwestern Wisconsin.

This glacial species is much more abundant than white crappie in Wisconsin due to its more northern range. They're members of the sunfish family but prefer open water rather than taking shelter in weed beds like other panfish.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Also known as papermouth

Physical Characteristics:
  • Black crappie are darker than white crappie with 7-8 dorsal spines and numerous black spots in a mottled pattern on their backs and sides, plus greenish-yellow bellies.
  • In Wisconsin, black crappie rarely exceed 12-14 inches or weigh more than a pound, with 8-10 inch fish being most common.
  • They're nicknamed 'papermouth' due to their extremely tender mouth membrane.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Widely distributed throughout Wisconsin in all three drainage basins (Lake Michigan, Mississippi River, and Lake Superior), though they're absent from streams in the driftless area of southwestern Wisconsin.
  • These gregarious fish travel in loose schools and are migratory, changing habitat based on temperature, oxygen levels, seasons, and food availability.

Key Locations

  • Rice Lake (Barron County), Chetek Chain, Lake Winnebago, Chippewa Flowage, Lake Arbutus, Mead Lake, Dorchester Lake, various Mississippi River pools, and numerous other lakes throughout the state.
  • Wisconsin's state record black crappie weighed 4 pounds 8 ounces from Gile Flowage in Iron County.

Specific Spots

  • Target submerged structures like stumps, logs, rocks, rocky ledges, deep river pools, and areas with moderate emergent vegetation.
  • In summer, focus on deep holes, river channels with sunken logs or brush piles (called 'crappie holes'), and the thermocline layer.
  • Black crappie spawn in colonies of up to 35 nests in 1.5-6 feet of water near emergent vegetation.

Black Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small 'crappie minnows' (often combined with light jigs), small maribou-covered jigs, plastic minnows, worms, insect larvae, spinners, spoons. For winter fishing, use small tear-shaped hooks alone or combined with grubs.

What flies work for Black Crappie in Wisconsin?

Small streamer flies cast along outer edges of weed beds. Wet and dry flies work well when crappie are on spawning beds.

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

Spring spawning season (May-June) is most productive. Summer and fall fishing becomes more challenging. Ice fishing is very popular and productive on Wisconsin lakes as crappie remain active all winter.

How do you catch Black Crappie in Wisconsin?

Keep bait constantly moving for best success. Target emergent vegetation close to shore during spawning period, but avoid actively spawning fish. Since crappie move around freely and can be found at various depths depending on season and weather, try multiple spots if one area isn't productive.

What do Black Crappie eat?

Black crappie feed on zooplankton and aquatic insects when young, transitioning to primarily small fish like minnows and immature bass, sunfish, and perch as adults. They have numerous gill rakers that allow them to filter large amounts of food from water.

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