Guide To Crappie Fishing In Washington

Washington state offers excellent opportunities for crappie fishing, with both black crappie and white crappie being popular species among anglers. These panfish can be found in various lakes, ponds, and reservoirs throughout the state, providing anglers with ample opportunities to target them.

Black crappie are known for their distinctive dark coloration and vertical stripes. They prefer clear and calm waters with vegetation or structure. Popular fishing spots for black crappie in Washington include Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, and Potholes Reservoir. Anglers often target black crappie using small jigs, soft plastics, or live minnows. These fish are known for their schooling behavior, so once you find a group, you can often have consistent action.

White crappie, on the other hand, have a lighter coloration with vertical bars rather than stripes. They tend to prefer slightly warmer waters and can be found in lakes such as Moses Lake, Banks Lake, and Lake Roosevelt. Anglers targeting white crappie often use similar techniques as with black crappie, relying on small jigs, minnows, or other baitfish imitations. White crappie can be found near submerged structures, such as fallen trees, brush piles, or underwater ledges.

The best time to fish for crappie in Washington is typically during the spring and fall seasons when they are more active and easier to locate. In the spring, crappie move into shallower areas to spawn, creating excellent opportunities for anglers to catch them. During the fall, crappie can be found in slightly deeper water as they feed before the winter months. However, crappie fishing can still be productive during other times of the year, especially in waters with consistent populations.

Whether you're targeting black crappie or white crappie, Washington offers a variety of lakes and reservoirs for anglers to pursue these popular panfish. Their tasty flesh and willingness to bite make them a favorite among anglers seeking a rewarding fishing experience.

Crappie Waters In WA

All about fishing for white and black crappie.

Washington has somewhat limited crappie fishing. There are healthy schools in a few major lakes including Alder Lake, Banks Lake, Lake Tapps, Lake Umatilla, Lake Wallula, Lake Washington, Palmer Lake, Potholes Reservoir, Riffe Lake, Rock Lake, Roosevelt Lake, Silver Lake and Vancouver Lake. Crappie can also be found in parks, ponds, rivers and small lakes across the state. Crappie are very popular among many ice fishing enthusiasts.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Crappie Fishing Lures For Washington

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.

The state record black crappie was taken out of Lake Washington.

The state record white crappie was caught from the Columbia River - Burbank Slough.

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.

Crappie are actually a member of the sunfish family and can be found in many Washington 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

Check out crappie information, by state.