Crappie — US fishing guide
Pomoxis spp.
Centrarchidae
Crappie is one of North America's most sought-after freshwater game fish, found across nationwide, especially southern and midwest reservoirs. Below is where it lives, when it bites and how to catch it — plus the top US lakes where it has been recorded.
At a glance
Typical habitat
Submerged trees, brush piles, docks
Active times
Dawn, dusk
Best season
Spring spawn in shallows
US range
Nationwide, especially Southern and Midwest reservoirs
How to catch Crappie
Small jigs or minnows under a float near cover; schooling fish, find one find many
Lake-by-lake occurrence data for Crappie is being compiled from GBIF and will appear here soon. In the meantime, explore US lakes by state.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you find Crappie?
Crappie typically holds around submerged trees, brush piles, docks. In the US it is common across nationwide, especially southern and midwest reservoirs.
When is the best time to catch Crappie?
Crappie is most active dawn, dusk, with the best fishing spring spawn in shallows.
What is the best way to fish for Crappie?
Small jigs or minnows under a float near cover; schooling fish, find one find many