Guide To Crappie Fishing In Oklahoma

Crappie Waters In OK

All about fishing for white and black crappie.

Oklahoma is a fantastic destination for crappie fishing, offering anglers the opportunity to target both black crappie and white crappie. With its numerous lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, the state provides excellent crappie fishing experiences throughout the year.

Black crappie, known for their dark speckled pattern, are a popular target among Oklahoma anglers. They can be found in abundance in many lakes and reservoirs across the state. Anglers often seek out areas with submerged structure such as brush piles, fallen trees, or submerged vegetation, as black crappie tend to congregate around these areas. Fishing with jigs, minnows, or small crankbaits can be highly effective for enticing these feisty fish. The spring months, particularly during the spawning season, offer some of the best opportunities to catch black crappie in Oklahoma.

White crappie, with their silver-white coloration and vertical stripes, are another sought-after species in Oklahoma. They can be found in many of the same lakes and reservoirs as black crappie. White crappie tend to relate to submerged structure as well, but they may also be found around docks and other man-made structures. Anglers often use similar techniques and baits for white crappie as they do for black crappie, including jigs, minnows, or small soft plastics. White crappie fishing in Oklahoma can be productive throughout the year, with peak seasons typically occurring during spring and fall.

When planning a crappie fishing trip to Oklahoma, it's important to be aware of the state's fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation provides up-to-date information on fishing seasons, bag limits, and any special regulations that may apply to specific bodies of water. Respecting size limits and practicing catch-and-release for larger crappie can help maintain healthy populations and ensure the sustainability of the fishery.

Oklahoma's crappie fishing opportunities provide anglers with an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether you're targeting black crappie or white crappie, the state's diverse waterways offer plenty of options to explore. From scenic lakes to expansive reservoirs, anglers can immerse themselves in the beauty of Oklahoma's outdoors while pursuing these prized panfish. So grab your fishing gear, locate the crappie hotspots, and get ready to enjoy some thrilling crappie fishing in the Sooner State.

Crappie Fishing Lakes in Oklahoma

Broken Bow Reservoir, Fort Cobb Reservoir, Fort Gibson Lake, Foss Lake, Grand Lake of the Cherokees, Hugo Lake, Hulah Lake, Kaw Lake, Keystone Lake, Lake Carl Blackwell, Lake Altus-Lugert, Lake Ellsworth, Lake Eucha, Lake Eufaula, Lake Hudson, Lake Murray, Lake of the Arbuckles, Lake Overholser, Lake Texoma, Lake Thunderbird, Lake Wister, McGee Creek Reservoir, Oologah Lake, Pine Creek Lake, Robert S Kerr Reservoir, Sardis Lake, Skiatook Reservoir, Sooner Lake, Tenkiller Lake, Tom Steed Reservoir, Waurika Lake and Webber Falls Reservoir all have significant populations of crappie. Smaller lakes, ponds and rivers across the state are likely to have a crappie or two as well.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Crappie Fishing Lures For Oklahoma

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 white crappie came out of a private pond.

The state record black crappie was caught out of a private pond.

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.

Joy Wells shows off a potential record crappie she caught from her farm pond.

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