|
------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma Record: 4lbs 15oz
World Record: No record
exsist.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Description: One of the most
popular panfish in North America, white and black crappies are
closely related and often mistaken for one another. They inhabit
lakes and rivers throughout the eastern half of the United States
from southern Canada to Texas and have been introduced in many
other regions of the country. Though the two species appear
similar, the blotched sides of the black crappie feature more
dark spots. Tell them apart by counting the spines on the dorsal
fin. White crappies display six spines, black crappies seven or
eight.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Subspecies: There are no
recognized subspecies.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Range: Found
throughout Oklahoma in major lakes, farm ponds, rivers, and
creeks
------------------------------------------------------------------
Habitat: Crappies thrive in clear,
natural lakes and reservoirs with moderate vegetation. They are
also found in large slow-moving less turbid rivers, provided the
water is not too murky. Crappies prefer water from 50 to 75
degrees but will tolerate water over 80 degrees. It is gregarious
and often travels in schools.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Feeding Habits: Primary food
items are crustaceans, aquatic insects and small fishes. Adults
mainly eat small fish, particularly open-water forage fish, like
threadfin shad.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth: Most crappies run 6
to 10 inches in length and weigh less than 1 pound, but they
often exceed 2 pounds. The largest specimens surpass 5 pounds.
Crappies feed primarily on minnows and supplement their diets
with insects and crustaceans.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Growth: Sexual maturity is
reached in the second or third year.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Sporting Quality: Black
crappies are excellent game fish and are highly regarded by bait
fishermen and artificial-lure anglers alike. They are easily
caught during pre-spawning periods when the fish are congregated
in large schools. Trolling with small, live minnows or a
spinner-fly combination is very productive. They will also strike
subsurface flies, small spinners, jigs, and tiny crankbaits.
Crappies tend to suspend in midwater, so you may have to
experiment to find the right depth.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Eating Quality: Considered to be
excellent eating by many anglers. The meat is prepared by rolling
in cornmeal or dipping in pancake batter and deep frying, and can
also be baked or broiled.
Hot
Lakes
 |
Eufaula |
|
|
Murray |
|
|
Kaw |
|
|
Canton |
|
|
Altus
Luggert |
|
|
Fort
Gibson
|
|
