Species profile
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
At a glance
White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 46 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 5 (Minnesota); the most generous is 50 (Pennsylvania).
Across 25 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 9.5 in.
Confirmed by 2,480 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Texas, Ohio, and Oklahoma the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- White crappie have 5–6 dorsal spines, while black crappie have 7–8 — the easiest way to tell them apart.
- They tolerate murkier, more turbid water than black crappie, thriving in reservoirs and slow rivers.
- Adults typically measure 8–12 inches and weigh under 2 pounds.
- White crappie spawn in spring when water temperatures reach around 60–65°F.
- They are widely considered one of the best-tasting panfish in North America.
Where White Crappie are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for White Crappie
Background
The white crappie (Pomoxis annularis: Promoxis=opercle sharp; annularis=having rings) is a freshwater fish found in North America, one of the two crappies. Former common names include goldring and silver perch. The USS Goldring is named for the fish.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's White Crappie article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.