Montana Crappie Fishing

All about fishing for white and black crappie in MT.

Crappie Fishing Waters In Montana

Due to the cold water and short growing season, crappie fishing in Montana is limited. A handful of major lakes with crappie include Bighorn Lake, Fort Peck Lake, Fresno Reservoir, Nelson Reservoir and Tiber Reservoir. The bulk of the black crappie are located in the eastern half of the state. You may also find crappie in private ponds, rivers and some of the smaller lakes in the warmer sections of the state.

The Montana state record black crappie was taken out of Tongue River Reservoir and the state record white crappie was taken from the Tongue River itself.

Crappie are actually a member of the sunfish family and can be found in many Montana lakes. Crappie are known by many different local names. Paper mouth, goggleye, bridge perch, slabs and speckled perch, are just a few.

Small jigs, live minnows, small spinners and other small lures will catch crappie. Use light line (six pound or less) and work the baits slowly - especially in cold water.

Check out crappie fishing information, by state.