Biology of the White Crappie in Illinois

Abstract

The white crappie, Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque, and the black crappie, Pomoxis nigro-maculatus (Le Sueur), are among the most characteristic and abundant fishes of the lakes and streams of Illinois. They are popular with Illinois anglers and are generally ranked with the better food fishes of the state. Both species have been used extensively for stocking artificial lakes of various sizes. This paper is based largely on white crappie studies carried on by the writer at Lake Decatur, Macon County, Illinois, during the period beginning in late November, 1935, and ending in early December, 1939. Most of the fish for the Lake Decatur studies were caught in hoop nets that were operated at 1- to 2-month intervals at all seasons of the year.