Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations White Crappie are evil

Are there any ways to really hurt a crappie population. I've been taking them out as much as I can,but they seem to be getting worse Are there any certified crappie slayers out there with any good advice. They are eating to many of my largemouth's meals.

Here are 4 important steps for controlling crappie:

1. Don't stock crappie in small ponds. Ok, I know you already did, but this is an example for for others considering what to stock. Crappie don't always pose a problem, but sometimes they do. I am more familiar with Black Crappie stunting, but much of this advise applies to White Crappie as well.

2. Maintain a good Largemouth Bass population with a variety of sizes. You have to have a predator that will clean up the fry and fingerling before they become a problem. That predator is the fingerling & yearling Largemouth Bass. It is not enough to have a couple dozen lunkers swimming around, because they simply do not want to bother with such a minute meal, and once the crappie attain prey size for the adult bass, you are already in crappie crisis mode.

3. Keep every crappie that you catch, especially in the over-abundant size class. It may not seem like you're making any head-way, but fishing can be a very effective way of controlling pan fish. It is amazing what a couple guys and a 12-pack of their favorite beverage can accomplish!

4. Consider using a "B-shaped" fish trap to remove small crappie. This type of trap has a verticle slot that panfish slide right into, unlike the cylinder traps that are commonly used for minnows & shiners. If you can't find one in your area, we offer them on our web site...just enter b trap in our search engine and you'll find it. A word of caution though...consider what else you will be trapping out. This is not an option for every situation.

I hope this helps,
Mike Robinson
Keystone Hatcheries

Isaac, check with a local fisheries biologist and ask to borrow a fyke net. Unless you are experienced, they are a two person job to set in the water. They are much larger than the other types of traps, and need to be checked from a boat. Panfish will be very active in the spring in shallow water and crappie are easily caught. Otherwise try mike's suggestion on the B traps or something similar.

Isaac,
How big is your pond?

I appreciate all the advice. And to the answer of Mr.Lusk's question, my pond is about an acre.

isaac,

if you decide on fish traps be sure to check them often. I once set a fyke net (for about a week)that could not be recovered because so many turtles got trapped.

I dont know of anyway to eradicate a crappie population without draining and restocking. If you are not willing to eradicate your fish population get ready for a battle. Crappie can spawn in huge numbers and its difficult to harvest them in sufficent numbers.

What is the average size crappie? How many do you catch on the average?

Shan O'Gorman
Professional Ponds

Shan where you been? 'Bout time you joined in the conversation on this site. It will keep you busy. I try to check it every time I get online to check my email. Hope your still staying busy.

Isaac,
20 bass one pound or larger will help dominate your crappie.
If your one acre pond is grossly overstocked, you may have 7-800 four inch crappie. But, one pound bass can eat four inch crappie. If your crappie are larger, the number drops dramatically. Keep fishing, pull crappie, release bass. You'll get there, quick.