Ohio Crappie Fishing

Guide to fishing for white and black crappie.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Ohio is a haven for crappie fishing enthusiasts, with both black crappie and white crappie being popular targets among anglers. These two species offer exciting angling opportunities in the state's lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about crappie fishing and crappie lakes in the state.

Crappie Fishing Basics Video

Black crappie are widely distributed throughout Ohio and can be found in various bodies of water. They are known for their distinctive dark speckled pattern, which gives them their name. Black crappie tend to prefer clearer waters and can be found near submerged structures such as brush piles, fallen trees, and weed beds. Anglers often use light tackle and small jigs or live bait, such as minnows, to entice black crappie. They are highly prized for their delicious white meat and make for excellent table fare.

White crappie are another sought-after species in Ohio's crappie fishing scene. They have a lighter, more silvery appearance compared to black crappie. White crappie are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers. Anglers often target them near submerged structures, such as docks, bridge pilings, and weed edges. Similar to black crappie, white crappie are typically caught using small jigs, live minnows, or artificial baits. They provide anglers with thrilling battles and are also highly regarded for their tasty flesh.

Ohio's lakes and rivers offer abundant opportunities for crappie fishing, with both black crappie and white crappie being prevalent in many waterways. Whether you prefer the challenge of targeting black crappie or the thrill of hooking a white crappie, the state's diverse fishing locations cater to all preferences. With their delicious flavor and spirited fights, crappie fishing in Ohio is a favorite pastime for anglers of all skill levels.

Crappie Waters In OH

Private ponds in Ohio are notorious for growing big crappie. Crappie reside in creeks, rivers and small lakes as well. Yet, you are likely to catch bigger stringers in some of the larger lakes like Alum Creek Lake, Atwood Lake, Berlin Lake, Buck Creek State Park Lake, Bresler Reservoir, Buckeye Lake, Burr Oak Lake, Caesar Creek State Park Lake, Charles Mill Lake, Chippawa Lake, Clear Fork Reservoir, Clendening Reservoir, Cowan Lake, Delaware Lake, East Fork Lake, Ferguson Reservoir, Grand Lake St Marys, Grant Lake, Hoover Reservoir, Indian Lake, Jackson Lake, Knox Lake, La Due Lake, Lake Erie, Lake Loramie, Lake Milton, Leesville Lake, Madison Lake, Mogadore Reservoir, Mosquito Lake, Nettle Lake, Piedmont Reservoir, Pleasant Hill Reservoir, Portage Lakes, Pymatuning Lake, Rocky Fork State Park Lake, Salt Fork Lake, Senecaville Lake, Spenser Lake, Tappan Reservoir, Veterans Memorial Lake, Veto Lake, West Branch Lake and Willard Reservoir.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Crappie Fishing Lures For Ohio

Crappie jigs work well in water from 2' to 40' deep, and are the most popular artificial lure for crappie ever. When crappie are shallow, spinners, small crankbaits and underspins are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons are among the top producers if the crappie are active. Review details for the best crappie rig options. Understanding the seasonal movements of crappie can enhance your chances of using these lures in the ideal locations.

Separate private ponds produced both the state record black crappie and the state record white crappie.

Crappie are actually a member of the sunfish family and can be found in many Ohio lakes. Crappie are known by many different local names. Paper mouth, goggleye, bridge perch, slabs and speckled perch, are just a few.

Check out crappie information, by state.