Distinguished from black crappie by 5-6 dorsal spines and distinct vertical side bars. White crappies thrive in turbid tidal rivers and mud-bottom impoundments, holding near wooden structure and bridge foundations.
Season
March – May & October
Where
Upper Potomac River, Anacostia River, Susquehanna Lower Pools, Marshyhope Creek
Salinity band
Inland Freshwater (0 - 3 ppt)
Status
Established Inland Freshwater Species
Record
MD Record: 3 lbs 13 oz
How we fish for them
Cast 1/32oz hair jigs or small roadrunner spinners slowly along tidal wood walls and boat slips on falling tides.
Rod: White Perch & Panfish Rod 6'6" LF Reel: 1000 Spinning Reel • 6lb Mono
Gear for this in the catalog →Handle with care
Spiny dorsal fin rays and sharp opercular (gill cover) spines. Smooth down dorsal fin before handling.
Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours
Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →
Profile last reviewed: August 2026