CommonNativeSecure
4
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis · Centrarchidae
Muddy-water specialist. Prolific. Forgiving.
Common
8–12 in
Max
15 in
Weight
Up to 2 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When white crappie feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
GOOD75%feeding activity
First & last light · minnows
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
12a6a12p6p12a
DAWN
72
MORN
79
MIDD
76
AFTE
77
DUSK
64
NIGH
60
Turbid-water generalist · midday bite
Solar + LunarMED-HIGH lunar pull
Major feeds7:36p – 9:36p5:11a – 7:11a
Minor feeds5:29a – 6:29a7:47p – 8:47p
Solunar window 7:51p – 9:21p
Full MoonNew Moon
Day · Tolerates turbidity — target stained-water brush piles and channel edges. Full Moon spawn timing applies in spring.
Night · Light-attracted baitfish draws crappie under Full Moon near dock and bridge lights.
Habitat
LakesReservoirsRiversOxbows
Range
Stained & muddy reservoirs, river backwaters.
Diet
Small shad, minnows, insect larvae.
Tackle box · top lures
Top picks · Spring pattern
1
Bobby Garland Baby Shad (1.5" on 1/32oz jighead)
1.5" on 1/32oz jighead
Slow fall through timber. Chartreuse/white or monkey milk.
AGFC2
1/32oz Crappie Jig (pink/chartreuse)
pink/chartreuse
Vertical jig under dock lights at night.
AGFCLures from AGFC reports + species data — verify regs at agfc.com/fishing.
Ready-to-fish boxes for White Crappie
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Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.
How to fish it · techniques
Muddy water? Go chartreuse
Brush is gold
They stack by size
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Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
State record is over 5 pounds. 'Slab' is a real word here — a crappie over a pound is worth the trip.
Status
Secure
Native · Centrarchidae
Regulations
Statewide Crappie Regulations — Arkansas · Statewide — all public waters in Arkansas
10″ min length30 per day
AGFC regulations Always confirm current size & daily limits with AGFC before keeping fish.