Scientific Name
Pomoxis negromaculatus
Image Credit
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Length
18-25 centimetres (7-10 inches)
Weight
0.23–0.45 kilograms (0.5–1.0 pounds)
Similar Species
Location
found throughout southern Ontario, including protected bays of the southern Great Lakes and in northwestern Ontario
Description
- small, deep-bodied fish
- silver with blue or green iridescence and irregular mosaic of distinct black blotches
- 7 to 8 dorsal fin spines
- 6 to 7 anal fin spines
- large mouth extends below middle of eye
Habitat
- warm, clear, vegetated lakes, ponds and rivers
- little current
- open areas adjacent to cover
- access to deeper water in winter and summer
Angling Tips
- move in schools
- bite during the day, especially during overcast weather
- bite most often during low light periods (dawn and dusk)
- best fishing in April and early May as the ice clears, and crappie follow schools of bait into warmer, shallow water
- eyes are positioned to see upward, so work bait slightly above them
- use light spinning or fly-fishing tackle and 6-pound or less line
Common Bait
- spinners
- panfish jigs
- small crankbaits
- streamer flies
- small live minnows, nymphs