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White Crappie

White Crappie

White Crappie are much less common in Wisconsin than Black Crappie, being at their northern range limit in the state.

They're primarily found in southern Wisconsin waters, particularly in slow-moving river channels like the Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Fox rivers and their tributaries and backwaters.

Scientific Name: Pomoxis annularis

Physical Characteristics:
  • White Crappie are silvery-olive fish with distinctive black spots arranged in loose, narrow bands running down their sides and yellowish-white bellies.
  • They're distinguished from Black Crappie by having 5-6 dorsal spines (versus 7-8) and are generally paler in coloration.
  • They typically live 3-5 years in Wisconsin, rarely exceeding 12-14 inches or one pound.
  • The state record White Crappie weighed 1 pound, 5 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're primarily found in southern Wisconsin waters, particularly in slow-moving river channels and their tributaries and backwaters.

Key Locations

  • Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Fox rivers and their tributaries and backwaters.
  • The state record White Crappie came from Petenwell Flowage in Adams County in 1996.

Specific Spots

  • They inhabit open water areas with structure like submerged stumps, logs, rocks, rocky ledges, and emergent aquatic vegetation.

White Crappie FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Small fathead minnows (often called 'crappie minnows') are the most popular bait, typically used with light jigs. Effective lures include small spinners, spoons, and small tear-shaped hooks with grubs for winter fishing.

What flies work for White Crappie in Wisconsin?

Small streamers, jig-style flies, and minnow imitations, wet and dry flies (especially when fish are on spawning beds).

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

White Crappie fishing in Wisconsin is best during spring (May-June) when fish are actively feeding before and after spawning, though they can be caught year-round. In winter, ice fishing is productive as White Crappie remain active.

How do you catch White Crappie in Wisconsin?

Focus on structure in open water rather than dense weed beds. Fish during evening and early morning when they're most active, and look for them suspended in the thermocline during summer months. Try deep holes or river channels with sunken logs or brush piles.

What do White Crappie eat?

White Crappie are filter feeders with numerous gill rakers, feeding on zooplankton, aquatic insects, and insect larvae. Larger fish primarily eat small minnows and immature bass, sunfish, and perch.

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