Crappie

Pomoxis spp.

Black and white crappie — Ohio's favorite panfish for spring and ice fishing.

Size Limit

None

Daily Bag

Season

Year-round

State Record

4 lbs 8 oz

Private Pond (1981)

Best Months to Fish

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

What to Use

Live Bait & Natural

minnows wax worms

Lures & Artificials

small jigs tube jigs hair jigsbobber rigs

Overview

Crappie (both black and white) are Ohio’s most popular panfish. Mosquito Creek Lake, Berlin Reservoir, and Indian Lake are top crappie destinations. Spring spawning runs bring crappie shallow where they’re easy to catch from shore or boat. Ice fishing for crappie is also hugely popular on Ohio’s inland reservoirs.

More Ohio Fish Species

Walleye

Perch

White Bass

Temperate Bass

Northern Pike

Pike

Steelhead Trout

Trout

Muskellunge

Pike

Largemouth Bass

Black Bass

View all fish species →

Plan Your Crappie Trip

Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next crappie fishing trip in Ohio.

Explore Lakes Find a Guide Bait & Tackle

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