White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis)
Description: Non-native. Introduced in 1903. Similar
to black crappie but more silvery in color. Black markings tend to form
vertical bars rather than random spots as in black crappie. The dorsal
fin has 6 spines. The body is compressed or flat. Tail fin, dorsal and
anal fins are spotted. Length: 6 to 17 inches. Weight: 3 oz. to over
3 pounds. Location and Habitat: Lake Pleasant is the only lake where
white crappie are occasionally caught. More tolerant of warm, turbid
waters than black crappie. Spawn in spring to early summer, usually
near cover such as submerged brush or rock. Males guard the nest, and
young after the eggs hatch. Generally mature in second or third year
of life, rarely live more than 6 to 7 years. Foods: Insect and plankton
eaters until they reach four or five inches switching to a fish diet.
In Arizona, threadfin shad are their main diet. Angling: Effective bait
and lures are minnows, small jigs, silver spoons, spinners and flies
fished along shorelines around submerged brush piles and fallen trees.
Table Quality: The meat is white, fine textured and tasty.
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