Description
Non-native. Introduced in 1903. Similar to black crappie but more silvery
in color. Black markings tend to form vertical bars rather than random
spots as in black crappie. The dorsal fin has 6 spines. The body is
compressed or flat. Tail fin, dorsal and anal fins are spotted. Length:
6 to 17 inches. Weight: 3 oz. to over 3 pounds.
Location and
Habitat
Lake Pleasant is the only lake where white crappie are occasionally caught.
More tolerant of warm, turbid waters than black crappie. Spawn in spring
to early summer, usually near cover such as submerged brush or rock. Males
guard the nest, and young after the eggs hatch. Generally mature in second
or third year of life, rarely live more than 6 to 7 years.
Food
Insect and plankton eaters until they reach four or five inches switching
to a fish diet. In Arizona, threadfin shad are their main diet.
Angling
Effective bait and lures are minnows, small jigs, silver spoons, spinners
and flies fished along shorelines around submerged brush piles and fallen
trees.
Table
Quality
The meat is white, fine textured and tasty.
