Guide To Crappie Fishing In Tennessee

Tennessee is a haven for crappie fishing, offering excellent opportunities to target both black crappie and white crappie. These popular panfish species can be found in lakes, reservoirs, and rivers throughout the state, providing anglers with thrilling fishing experiences.

Black crappie are known for their distinctive dark coloration and vertical stripes. They tend to prefer clearer and cooler waters with submerged structures, such as brush piles, fallen trees, or weed beds. Tennessee is home to several prime black crappie fishing locations, including Kentucky Lake, Pickwick Lake, and Watts Bar Lake. Anglers targeting black crappie often use small jigs, live minnows, or soft plastics to entice these schooling fish. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons for black crappie fishing, as they move into shallower areas to spawn and feed.

White crappie, with their lighter coloration and vertical bars, are another sought-after species in Tennessee. White crappie can tolerate slightly warmer water temperatures compared to black crappie. They can be found in lakes and reservoirs such as Percy Priest Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, and Old Hickory Lake. Anglers often target white crappie using similar techniques as with black crappie, relying on small jigs, minnows, or baitfish imitations. White crappie tend to be more abundant in Tennessee's larger reservoirs, and fishing for them can be productive throughout the year, with spring and fall being particularly fruitful.

Tennessee's abundant lakes, reservoirs, and rivers provide an ideal habitat for both black crappie and white crappie. Whether you're targeting black crappie's deep-water haunts or searching for white crappie near submerged structures, the state's waters offer ample opportunities for crappie fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of locating schools of crappie, the thrill of hooking into these feisty fish, and the satisfaction of landing a delicious catch.

Crappie Waters In TN

All about fishing for white and black crappie.

Tennessee fishing waters and crappie go hand in hand. Major lakes with plentiful, quality crappie fishing include Boone Lake, Calderwood Reservoir, Center Hill Lake, Cheatham Lake, Cherokee Lake, Chickamauga Lake, Chilhowee Lake, Cordell Hull Lake, Dale Hollow Reservoir, Davy Crockett Lake, Douglas Lake, Fort Loudoun Lake, Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir, Garrett Lake, Gibson County Lake, Great Falls Lake, J Percy Priest Lake, John Sevier Reservoir, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Melton Hill Lake, Nickajack Lake, Normandy Lake, Norris Lake, Ocoee Lake, Old Hickory Lake, Parksville Reservoir, Percy Priest Lake, Pickwick Lake, Reelfoot Lake, South Holston Lake, Tellico Reservoir, Tims Ford Lake, Watauga Lake, Watts Bar Lake and Woods Reservoir. Many other small lakes, rivers and ponds also contain excellent schools of crappie.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Crappie Fishing Lures For Tennessee

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.

A private pond turned out the state record black crappie.

The state record white crappie was pulled out of Garner Brown's Pond.

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

Crappie Fishing Basics Video

Big slab crappie are not only fun to catch, but are a fish-fry favorite!

Check out crappie information, by state.