Ever wondered what crappie munch on? Ask any die-hard crappie angler, and they’ll probably say, “Whatever I’m tossing out there!”
And honestly, they’re not far off. Crappies aren’t exactly picky eaters. But if you really want to up your fishing game, it helps to know what they naturally go after.
Curious about the crappie diet? We’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into what these fish eat throughout their life stages and across different seasons.
Short on time? Here’s a quick rundown of crappie favorites:
- Zooplankton
- Tiny insects like waterboatmen
- Grass or “ghost” shrimp
- Minnows, especially Threadfin shad, and flatheads
- Young pike, walleye, bluegill, and even crappie
- Crayfish and small amphibians like frogs
Happy fishing!
Types of Crappie
There are two main crappie species: Pomoxis annularis (white crappie) and Pomoxis nigromaculatus (black crappie), along with hybrid like the Magnolia, also called a blacknosed crappie.
These species differences can influence their diet, with hybrid mixing traits.
How Crappie Feed
Crappies are ambush hunters. Instead of actively searching for food, they lie in wait and strike quickly, rarely pursuing their prey.
They’re most active around dawn and dusk and feed more at night, which savvy anglers exploit.
What Does Crappie Eat?
Crappies reproduce rapidly, and in small ponds, they can quickly overpopulate, causing issues. The Magnolia hybrid was created to address this problem since both male and female Magnolia crappie are sterile. This allows for stocking ponds, lakes, and streams without worrying about long-term population effects.
Right from hatching, crappie fry makes eating a top priority. They start by feeding on tiny organisms, getting their nutrients from microscopic animals like zooplankton, tiny insects such as water boatmen (family Corixidae), and other small invertebrates like grass shrimp (genus Palaemonetes).
That might not sound like much, but it’s enough to spur some serious growth! According to Brad E. Hammers and N. Corey Oakley of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, crappie fry can grow up to four inches in their first year on this diet.
As crappie get bigger, about the width of your hand, they start going after larger prey. They’ll still munch on all kinds of insects but will begin targeting young fish from various species, like walleye, pike, bluegill, and even other crappie. Yep, they’re cannibals!
When they’re fully grown, crappie mainly go after shad and minnows, but their diet also includes insects, crawfish, and small amphibians like frogs. You might’ve heard that crappie “feed up,” which means they often hunt for food above them. While that’s mostly true, they won’t pass up an easy meal on the bottom if it’s available.
Seasonal Diet Changes
Mature crappie typically feast on minnows and small fish—anything they can fit in their mouths is fair game!
But during winter and early spring, when food is scarce, they switch to eating more insects and crustaceans.
Differences by Species
Black crappie prefers clearer, cooler water with lots of vegetation like weed beds. While they do eat plenty of minnows, a bigger part of their diet comes from invertebrates compared to white crappie.
On the other hand, white crappie favors murkier, stained water and mainly feed on shad and fathead minnows. Although they also eat insects and crawfish, they have a stronger preference for minnows
Myth Busted: Crappie Do Eat Crawfish
You might have heard the rumor that crappie don’t eat crawfish. Some say it’s because they don’t “feed down” or don’t like the taste. But this myth just won’t go away.
The truth is, that crappie do eat crawfish, especially when other food sources are scarce. This is backed up by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Delaware’s Division of Fish & Wildlife, and many fishermen who’ve found crawfish or their shells in crappie stomachs. Crappies aren’t fussy when it comes to food!
Wrapping Up
We hope this article has answered your questions about what crappie like to eat.
Seasoned anglers know that understanding a crappie’s diet can help you plan your fishing trips to match up with times when their natural prey is plentiful or scarce. Plus, it can guide you in picking the perfect lure to catch their interest.
Choosing the right trolling motor, like comparing Minn Kota vs. Motorguide, can also enhance your fishing experience by providing better maneuverability and precision.
If you found this helpful, let us know—we’d love to hear from you!