Crappie Fishing

Overview

Indiana is home to two species of crappie: black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis; hereafter referred to as crappies). Both are commonly referred to as panfish and can be found in many of Indiana’s streams, ponds, and lakes. The two species have some differences in water quality preferences but due to their similarities they are managed jointly with a 25-fish daily bag limit. 

Crappies diets consist mostly of smaller fish (e.g., minnows), but will also feed on aquatic insects, larvae, worms, and crayfish. Spawning takes place in late April and May when water temperature reaches about 55°F. The male fans out a depression with his caudal fin in 3-10 feet of water. Female crappies enter the spawning area and deposit their eggs in one or more of the nests, which are immediately fertilized by the male fish. The number of eggs in a crappie nest is variable, but a nest can hold up to 20,000. It is practically impossible to distinguish the males from the females, even just before spawning.

Crappie are an excellent eating fish that are easy to catch and clean. Crappie fishing is best during the spring and fall when crappie move into shallower water and can be caught by using jigs or live bait. Focus fishing efforts on areas of sunken logs, standing timber, brush piles, or docks.

Regulations

Surveys of the best lakes for crappie fishing

Select link for survey report. Not all lakes have a report available.

1. Worster Lake
2. Hamilton Lake
3. Sylvan Lake
4. Webster Lake
5. Bass Lake
6. Bruce Lake
7. Lake Manitou
8. Salamonie Lake
9. Mississinewa Lake
10. Prairie Creek Reservoir
11. Westwood Run Lake
12. Geist Lake
13. Eagle Creek Reservoir
14. Raccoon Lake (Cecil M. Harden)
15. Cagles Mill Lake
16. Brookville Lake
17. Hardy Lake
18. Monroe Lake
19. Thousand Island Pit
20. West Boggs Lake
21. Dogwood Lake
22. Loon and Otter pits
23. Hovey Lake

Other crappie survey reports

• 2016 Patoka Lake Crappie Supplemental
• Blue Grass Pit 2017 Crappie and Muskellunge Survey Report