Crappie Fishing In Virginia

Guide to fishing for black crappie in VA.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Virginia offers excellent crappie fishing opportunities, with anglers targeting two main species: black crappie and white crappie. These popular panfish provide exciting angling experiences and delicious table fare for fishermen across the state. 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 known for their distinctive dark markings and can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats such as lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers. They are often found near submerged structures, including fallen trees, brush piles, and vegetation. Anglers commonly use jigs, small spinners, or live minnows to entice black crappie into biting. Spring and fall are typically the most productive seasons for black crappie fishing, as the fish move closer to the shorelines and spawn.

White crappie, with their lighter coloration and vertical bars, are another sought-after crappie species in Virginia. They can be found in similar habitats as black crappie, including lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. White crappie tend to prefer slightly warmer water and are often associated with submerged vegetation or rocky areas. Anglers target white crappie using similar techniques as for black crappie, such as jigs, spinners, or live minnows. Spring and fall are also prime seasons for white crappie fishing.

Virginia's lakes and reservoirs, including popular destinations such as Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, and Claytor Lake, offer abundant crappie populations and ample fishing opportunities. Anglers often focus on areas with submerged structures, drop-offs, or shallow coves to find concentrations of crappie. Crappie can also be caught from the shoreline, piers, or from small boats.

The state's mild climate allows for year-round crappie fishing, although spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons due to the increased activity and spawning patterns of the fish. Anglers should adapt their techniques and locations based on water temperature, weather conditions, and the movement of crappie throughout the year.

Crappie fishing in Virginia provides anglers with a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Whether pursuing black crappie or white crappie, Virginia's lakes and rivers offer a wealth of opportunities to catch these prized panfish. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of reeling in a stringer of crappie and the satisfaction of a successful day on the water.

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

Crappie Waters In VA

Most ponds have a population of crappie, as do parks, small lakes and rivers. The bigger schools come from major lakes including Claytor Lake, Diascund Creek Reservoir, Flannagan Reservoir, Kerr Reservoir, Lake Anna, Lake Chesdin, Lake Drummond, Lake Gaston, Lake Moomaw, Leesville Reservoir, Occoquan Reservoir, Philpott Lake, Smith Mountain Lake, South Holston Lake and Western Branch Reservoir.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Crappie Fishing Lures For Virginia

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.

Virginia State Record Crappie

The state record black crappie was caught from Lake Conner.

*The state record white crappie is open, 3-pound minimum to submit.

Thomas Deans, from Virginia Beach, shows off a couple real nice crappie.

Check out crappie information, by state.