A member of the sunfish family, the Crappie is widely considered to be among the best tasting freshwater fish.

Crappie are one of the most popular popular game fish. The name Crappie can refer to either the white crappie, which is lighter in color, or the black crappie, which is and darker with a pattern of black spots. Both species are similar in size, shape, and habits. The average Crappie weighs between one-half and one pound, though they are capable of growing much larger. Crappie are prolific breeders and will over-populate small bodies of water very quickly if the population is not controlled.

Crappie have diverse diets. They primarily feed on smaller species of fish, including the young of their predators (like the Walleye and Northern Pike). Crappie also eat insects, crustaceans, and zooplankton. Due to their diverse diet, sportsmen have many options when it comes to catching crappie, including lures, bobbers, or spinnerbaits. Crappie are active in the winter, which also makes them very popular for ice fishing.