Crappie

black (top) and white (bottom) crappie
Black crappie (top photo) and white crappie (bottom photo) are similar looking, although black crappie often have darker blackish spotting. However, black crappie grow slower, Anglers can visit with MDC staff about the proposed crappie fishing regulation change for Smithville Lake at an open house Tuesday, Aug. 28, at the Litton Visitor Center.
MDC
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black (top) and white (bottom) crappie

Black Crappie
The black crappie is a popular panfish. It is deep bodied and slab sided. The sides are silver with an irregular pattern of dark speckles. The upper jaw is long, reaching past the middle of the eye.

White Crappie
Also called "papermouth," "bachelor perch" or just "crappie," this popular panfish is deep bodied and strongly compressed laterally (slab-sided). The sides are silver with 5-10 often faint vertical bars. The upper jaw is long, reaching past the middle of eye.

Fishing Type
Game
Topic Category
Hunting / Fishing Guide
Seasons
Regulations
Biological Information
Crappie, Black
Crappie, White
Seasons
Crappie

black (top) and white (bottom) crappie

Season Open
Crappie (Black and White)
  • January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Notes

Limits apply on all waters except on areas with special regulations. Check area regulations.

Daily limit: 30
Possession limit: 60
Size limit: None

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Fishing Permit, Daily Fishing Permit, Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit, Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only), Lifetime Fishing Permit (residents only), Military Reduced Cost Permit

Fishing: Allowed Methods

Pole and Line

Trotline

Limb Line

Bank Line

Jug Line

Additional Info

Ice fishing tackle, or tip-ups, are considered a pole-and-line method.