Black Crappie
$3.95
| Name | Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) |
| Size | 3-5" |
| Availability | April, May, September, October, November |
| Stocking Rate | up to 300/acre |
| Quantity Pricing | 1-49: $3.95 each 50-99: $3.55 each 100+: $3.15 each |
Black Crappie are renowned for their excellent eating quality which makes them a highly sought after game species. They prefer quiet, weedy areas and will readily spawn in lakes and ponds in the spring. Spawning occurs in 3-6 feet of water in saucer shaped nests in aquatic vegetation. Crappie usually travel in schools and will feed on minnows, insects, crayfish, and snails. They are most easily caught in the spring and can reach 8 inches by their second year. Their lifespan is 7-9 years in northern states and they have been known to reach 4 pounds.
NOTE ON SHIPPING FISH: Please note that Black Crappie are not available for UPS shipping due to their fragile nature and sensitivity during transportation. To ensure the health and survival of the fish, they are available for pickup only along one of our delivery routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many black crappie should I stock per acre?
We recommend up to 300 black crappie per acre. Our fish are 3-5 inches and can reach 8 inches by their second year.
What should I stock with black crappie?
Crappie feed on minnows, insects, crayfish, and snails - a strong fathead minnow forage base keeps them growing. They prefer quiet, weedy areas and spawn readily in ponds in spring.
When are black crappie available?
April, May, September, October, and November. Crappie are most easily caught in spring and are renowned for their excellent eating quality.
How do I get my fish from Mid-Atlantic Stocking?
Three ways: free pickup at a scheduled delivery-route stop (routes run roughly monthly, April-October), UPS Next Day Air shipping every Wednesday (order by Tuesday 5 PM) to CT, DE, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA & WV, or direct-to-pond delivery by quote. Fish are packaged with water and pure oxygen.
What if some fish do not survive the trip?
All our fish are certified disease-free, and we replace any mortality over 5% - in transit, or within 48 hours of introduction when the acclimation directions are followed. Document losses with photos and file a Mortality Report on our website.
Additional information
| Weight | 0.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5 × 2 × 3 in |
| Quantity | 1-49, 50-99, 100+ |
Pond-Size Stocking Guide
Recommended black crappie quantities based on a stocking rate of up to 300 fish per acre.
| Pond Size | Recommended Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ acre | 75 | Stock with bass to keep numbers balanced |
| ½ acre | 150 | Stock with bass to keep numbers balanced |
| 1 acre | 300 | Adequate bass predation essential to prevent stunting |
| 2 acres | 600 | Pair with bass and fathead minnows |
| 5 acres | 1,500 | Excellent crappie habitat with adequate depth and cover |
| 10 acres | 3,000 | Contact us for large-order pricing |
Stocking Timing & Tips
- Available April, May, September, October, and November
- Spring stocking (April–May) allows crappie to spawn the same season — they nest in 3–6 feet of water in aquatic vegetation
- Crappie prefer clear water with abundant structure (weed beds, brush piles, submerged timber)
- Stock with adequate bass to keep numbers balanced. In a new pond, establish fathead minnows first, add bluegill 4–6 weeks later, and introduce crappie and bass 6–12 months after that
- Building a trout-crappie pond? Our Trout Pond Package includes fathead minnows (1–2″), black crappie (3–5″), and rainbow trout (4–6″) sized for ¼- to 1-acre ponds — a convenient single-delivery option
- Pickup only — no UPS shipping: Black crappie are not available for UPS shipping due to transport sensitivity. Pickup along our delivery routes only.
State Stocking Permits
Most Mid-Atlantic states require a fish stocking permit. Visit our Permits page for your state’s application, or contact us with questions.
