White Crappie Native
🔬 Pomoxis annularis
Michigan's second crappie species, lighter in color than black crappie with a more silvery-silver body and vertical bars rather than speckles. Tolerates turbid, warmer water better than black crappie. Excellent table fare and one of the easiest Michigan panfish to catch in numbers.
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Bite this month
Good
Best season
Spring, Summer
Keeper size
9" at ~3 yrs
Ice fishing
Viable target
Regulations
limit 25
Where to Catch White Crappie in Michigan
| Lake | County | Population |
|---|---|---|
|
Big Blue Lake
620 acres
|
Muskegon | |
|
Cass Lake
1,280 acres
|
Oakland | |
|
Coldwater Lake
1,561 acres
|
Branch | |
|
Fremont Lake
1,700 acres
|
Newaygo | |
|
Gull Lake
2,030 acres
|
Kalamazoo | |
|
Gun Lake
2,680 acres
|
Barry | |
|
Gun Lake
665 acres
|
Allegan | |
|
Hardy Pond
4,025 acres
|
Newaygo | |
|
Houghton Lake
20,044 acres
|
Roscommon | |
|
Lake Cadillac
1,141 acres
|
Wexford | |
|
Lake Columbia
821 acres
|
Jackson | |
|
Lake Fenton
937 acres
|
Genesee | |
|
Lake Mitchell
2,580 acres
|
Wexford | |
|
Lake St. Helen
2,600 acres
|
Roscommon | |
|
Magician Lake
755 acres
|
Cass | |
|
Paw Paw Lake
1,000 acres
|
Van Buren | |
|
Portage Lake
800 acres
|
Washtenaw | |
|
Stony Lake
650 acres
|
Oceana | |
|
Tawas Lake
1,100 acres
|
Iosco | |
|
Walled Lake
640 acres
|
Oakland |
White Crappie Conservation Status
Native White Crappie is native to Michigan waters. Common and abundant in southern and central Michigan. Population healthy statewide. The daily bag limit is 25.
White Crappie Habitat & Behavior
Warmer, slightly turbid lakes and river backwaters in southern and central Michigan. Often found in same water as black crappie but thrives in murkier conditions. Hangs around brush piles, submerged timber, and dock pilings. DNR records show White Crappie present in 21 Michigan water bodies. Bite activity rates Good or better in Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct and Nov. White Crappie is a viable ice fishing target in Michigan.
Best White Crappie Techniques
Small jigs (1/32 to 1/8 oz) in white, chartreuse, or pink; small minnows under a slip-float; tiny crankbaits worked slowly through structure
Best White Crappie Baits
Small jigs, minnows, wax worms, tiny spinners, soft plastic grubs
White Crappie Fishing Regulations in Michigan
25
Daily limit
50
Possession limit
Year-round
Season
Less common than Black Crappie in Michigan. Found primarily in warmer, more turbid lakes.
⚠️ Regulations shown are general statewide guidelines for 2025. Rules vary by water body and change annually.
Always verify current regulations in the official Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before you fish.
Michigan DNR White Crappie Stocking Records
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Estimated Mature White Crappie — September
See Which Lakes Have Mature White Crappie Right Now
Based on DNR stocking records from 2021–2024, we estimate which Michigan lakes likely hold White Crappie at keeper size (9") today.
Best Times to Fish White Crappie
❄️ White Crappie is a popular ice fishing target in Michigan.
Angler Tips for White Crappie
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