BLACK CRAPPIE (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)
ALIAS: Papermouth, speck, calico bass
IDENTIFICATION: Deep, strongly compressed, dorsal profile rounded; back greenish, sides silvery green with dark green to black scattered mottlings not forming bars, belly silvery, median fins yellowish green with dusky, wavy lines and white spots. Head long, concave near eye; mouth oblique, extends past middle of eye. Dorsal fins connected without notch, 7-8 spines; anal fin large, 6 spines. Lateral line complete, 36-44 scales.
DIET: Small fish, aquatic insects, and zooplankton.
HABITAT: Quiet, warm, clear streams, ponds, lakes, and reservoirs.
SPAWNING: When water temperatures are 60-65°F, black crappie broadcast their eggs onto shallow submerged structures.
FISHING TIPS: Live baits such as fathead minnows or small jigs tipped with fathead minnows work well. Target submerged brush and stumps.
USE: Available East Slope (East of Continental Divide); West Slope (West of Continental Divide) – CPW Authorization Required