Fishing is a popular recreational suited to Michigan's changing seasons and many bodies of water. Crappie are a type of pan fish in the sunfish family found in most bodies of water in Michigan, including the Great Lakes, sand and mud- bottomed inland lakes, slow flowing streams, creek backwaters, rivers and ponds. They are good to eat and fun to catch, fighting hard when they are hooked.
Identification
Crappie are silvery white in color with dark markings that vary according to species. Adults are up to thirteen inches long and weigh one to five pounds. Dorsal and anal fins are almost the same size and have spines in the front. Crappie have deep, compressed bodies, depressions in the forehead, large mouths with transparent sides and a protruding lower jaw.
Types
Black crappie have dark olive green, black or dark gray backs and silver sides with black blotches. Reflections cause them to have a bluish tint at times. They have seven or eight dorsal fin spines and a forked or rounded tail. White crappie are lighter with dark blotches forming eight or nine wide stripes on the side and six dorsal fin spines. White crappie tend to have longer bodies while black crappie have more bulk.
Features
Crappie travel in schools and are easiest to catch in the spring when they spawn. They usually eat minnows and small crayfish, so good bait to use includes small minnows or crustaceans, crickets, grasshoppers and other insects, night crawlers and worms. Jigs and spinners work well in the spring and fall while yellow or white jigs, small spoons and live bait are good for summer months. Crappie bite during winter months, making them sought after among Michigan anglers.
Geography
While both black and white crappie are found all 48 mainland states, black crappie are found more often in the northern states while white crappie are more typical in the southern states. Black crappie are found in larger, deeper lakes while white crappie are found in quiet backwaters. Crappie can be found near stumps, boulders, vegetation or brush in water ten to thirty foot deep or deeper during the day and night, moving to shallower water early in the morning and evening.
Considerations
A valid Michigan fishing license is required for everyone 17 years of age and older to fish for crappie. Crappie are covered by a restricted fishing license. Michigan fishing licenses are available online, at most bait shops or sporting goods stores and many department stores. A valid driver's license is required to purchase a fishing license.
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