Guide To Crappie Fishing In New Jersey

All about fishing for black and white crappie.

New Jersey offers excellent opportunities for crappie fishing, with both black crappie and white crappie being popular targets among anglers. These panfish species can be found in various freshwater bodies throughout the state, including lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.

Black crappie are known for their dark coloration and distinctive vertical stripes, while white crappie have lighter coloration and fainter stripes. Both species are prized for their tasty flesh and can provide exciting angling experiences.

Popular crappie fishing locations in New Jersey include Lake Hopatcong, Lake Mercer, and Union Lake, among others. These bodies of water offer suitable habitat for crappie, with submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and brush providing cover and ambush points. Anglers often target crappie near structures and in shallow areas, especially during the spawning season in spring when crappie move closer to the shore.

Crappie can be caught using various techniques, including casting with small jigs, live minnows, or artificial baits. Light tackle setups are typically used to present the bait delicately and detect subtle bites, as crappie can be finicky feeders.

The best times for crappie fishing in New Jersey are typically during the spring and fall seasons. In the spring, as the water temperature rises, crappie move to shallow areas to spawn, making them more accessible to anglers. During the fall, crappie feed actively in preparation for the colder months ahead, offering anglers another opportunity to target these prized panfish.

Anglers should familiarize themselves with the specific fishing regulations and size limits for crappie in New Jersey, as they may vary depending on the water body. Adhering to these regulations helps protect the crappie population and ensures sustainable fishing practices.

Whether you're targeting black crappie or white crappie, New Jersey provides a range of fishing opportunities to pursue these popular panfish. With their tasty meat and thrilling angling experiences, crappie fishing in the Garden State is a favorite among anglers of all ages and skill levels.

Crappie are actually a member of the sunfish family and can be found in many New Jersey lakes. Crappie are known by many different local names. Paper mouth, goggleye, bridge perch, slabs and speckled perch, are just a few. Although nice crappie are to be found locally, it may take a little looking.

The major lakes with sizable schools of crappie include Assunpink Lake, Delaware Lake, Farrington Lake, Greenwood Lake, Lake Carnegie, Lake Lenape, Lake Musconetcong, Mercer Lake, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Monksville Reservoir, Swartswood Lake and Union Lake. Of course, you can find crappie in smaller lakes, rivers, parks and ponds as well. Ice fishing for crappie is a great way to introduce kids to fishing.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Crappie Fishing Lures For New Jersey

Crappie jigs work well in water from 2' to 40' deep, and are the most popular artificial lure for crappie ever. When crappie are shallow, spinners, small crankbaits and underspins are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons are among the top producers if the crappie are active. Review details for the best crappie rig options. Understanding the seasonal movements of crappie can enhance your chances of using these lures in the ideal locations.

New Jersey State Record Crappie

The state record black crappie was caught from Pompton Lake.

The state record white crappie came out of Mercer Lake.

Crappie Fishing Basics Video

Check out crappie information, by state.