Seasonal Colors of Black Crappie

by Jeffrey D. Abney

Nov 24, 2013

Many things that happen in nature are very interesting and the color changes for the Black Crappie species is pretty cool. Down here on the tidal waters these fish go through three distinct color changes which are easy indications of the season. Just curious if the other members that catch a few crappie along the way see similar changes in their region......I've included a few pictures to support these facts......

In late Winter Black Crappie begin to transition into what I believe to be one of the prettiest fresh water fish colors....Almost appearing to look like an exploded ink pen if you will......they get their infamous "tuxedo" skins on for the spawn peaking in the colors like this fish caught on the 28th of April........

As the spawn is completed and the waters warm for the Summer, black crappie go through another transition to what is often referred to as "calico" colors like this fish caught in September......they almost appear golden or the white bars will turn yellow on them........

Finally as the waters begin to cool in Fall and into early Winter the fish go through yet another change and this time the greens are highlighted almost looking emerald like .......This fish was caught in late December and you see how brilliant the green on the shoulders are.......

  • Jeffrey D. Abney

    Thanks in advance for any input you folks might share......

    Nov 24, 2013

  • Jeffrey D. Abney

    Here's another great example of the cold water green colors as Jim Gronaw and I fished together in late October and caught these slabs that Jim is displaying.....the green is very dominant on these guys and water temperatures had been in 60s and high 50s in the weeks proceeding this trip......

    Nov 24, 2013

  • John Sheehan

    I've never caught a Crappie that got quite as black as that top one Jeffrey .At least that I can remember. I get them that look like the other two though .

    Nov 24, 2013

  • John Sheehan

    I should say less green on the back .More purpleish.

    Nov 24, 2013

  • Jeffrey D. Abney

    Thanks John.....what do your fish look like during the spawn?

    Nov 24, 2013

  • Andy "Fillet em" Eitutis

    Yes Jeff I have noticed this in my area waters as well. Springtime crappies are the prettiest fish I catch. I posted a picture of an early NOV. Crappie almost all white to silver still a pretty fish, but nothing like sping.

    Nov 29, 2013

  • John Sheehan

    Jeffrey ,as to what Crappies in New Jersey ,look like during the spawn ,check the March through May pics from my Crappie Fish Calendar : http://bigbluegill.com/photo/feb21crappie/prev?context=album&al...

    Nov 29, 2013

  • John Sheehan

    The November fish is interesting as it shows a variation of color that's pronounced from the other pics . That one shows a yellowish tint I see at times on the Crappie I catch .

    Nov 29, 2013

  • Jeffrey D. Abney

    Thanks John.....I noticed the same thing on your November fish.....the yellow variation is what is called "Calico"....I see these colors late Fall and early Winter......

    Nov 29, 2013

  • John Sheehan

    As a kid I caught Crappie but referred to them as 'Calico Bass ' ,didn't use the term Crappie till many years later .

    Nov 29, 2013

  • John Sheehan

    Spawn time for Crappie is March- May in New Jersey . What about your area Jeffrey?

    Nov 29, 2013

  • David, aka, "McScruff"

    I got nothing for this discussion. Crappie ignore my efforts even more than bluegill do. I haven't caught one in more than a decade.
    I have HEARD they exhibit distinct color changes thought the seasons, though, especially during the spawn.
    But, I'll have to take ya'lls word for it!
    Hahaha...

    Nov 29, 2013