Black Crappie can be found in the South lakes of the Clearwater-Pipestone Chain; including Rice, Despair, Footprint, East and West Jackfish Lakes. Although their population seems to be growing every year, they are difficult to target; most are caught while jigging for walleye. The crappie are more scattered in our lakes, don't expect the large schools as is common south of the border.

On a good morning when they are feeding in the same area as the walleye, it's common to catch a half dozen crappie among all the walleye, northern pike and Crappie getting caught. While crappie population numbers are still relatively low in our lakes, their size is very impressive. Their average size is 12-14 inches, but each year some guests catch 15-17 inch slabs.

Our guests at Little Moose Lodge don't specifically head out on the water to fish for black crappie. They are a bonus fish in our unique multi-species lakes, if you do catch some though, chances are they will be the biggest crappie you ever caught, and definitely the tastiest from these cool Canadian Shield Lakes.

Clearwater-Pipestone Chain of Lakes Black Crappie Regulations: