Crappie (Black Crappie)

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Both black and white crappie are found throughout Wisconsin. A top target for ice anglers and spring panfish specialists. Wisconsin's best crappie lakes include Big Arbor Vitae, Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, and Lake Wissota.

Size Limit

No minimum (lake-specific exceptions)

Daily Bag

25 (combined panfish)

Season

Year-round

State Record

4 lb 8 oz

Undisclosed (1997)

Best Months to Fish

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

What to Use

Live Bait & Natural

Crappie minnowsWax wormsSpikes

Lures & Artificials

Small jigsHair jigsSlip bobber rigsTiny crankbaitsIce jigs

Crappie (Black Crappie) Fishing in Wisconsin

Both black and white crappie are found throughout Wisconsin. A top target for ice anglers and spring panfish specialists. Wisconsin’s best crappie lakes include Big Arbor Vitae, Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, and Lake Wissota.

Regulation Notes

Combined panfish bag limit of 25 includes crappie, bluegill, sunfish, perch, and rock bass. Some lakes have reduced limits.

More Wisconsin Fish Species

Lake Trout

Salmonidae

Walleye

Percidae

Lake Sturgeon

Acipenseridae

Sauger

Percidae

Rock Bass

Centrarchidae

Channel Catfish

Ictaluridae

View all fish species →

Plan Your Crappie (Black Crappie) Trip

Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next crappie (black crappie) fishing trip in Wisconsin.

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Regulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Wisconsin DNR regulations before fishing. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for ages 16+.