Crappie Fishing in Texas
Where to catch crappie, the limits and the Texas records.
- 4.56 lbstate record
- 161lakes rated
Photo from the region around Crappie: mr_t_77 from WV, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
Fishing for crappie in Texas
The freshwater species crappie (Pomoxis annularis and Pomoxis nigromaculatus) is found in Texas waters. Texas has white and black crappie; TPWD rates them together as crappie. Texas recognizes a 4.56 pound rod and reel record from Navarro Mills, set in 1968. Of the 161 Texas lakes TPWD rates for this fish, 29 are excellent.
Timing and cover for Texas crappie
When
Nests in spring, generally at 65-70F (observed as low as 56F); Nests in spring, generally when water reaches 60F
Where they hold
Schools around submerged trees, boat docks and other structure; Found statewide except upper Rio Grande and Pecos drainages; Most abundant in clear, acidic waters of East Texas
Crappie facts from the TPWD species profile.
Lakes to target for crappie in Texas
Texas lakes rated for crappie, best rating first, then by size.
Sam Rayburn Reservoir
Excellent rating for crappie; 114,500 acres, Jasper County.
See detailsRichland Chambers Reservoir
Excellent rating for crappie; 41,356 acres, Freestone County.
See detailsLewisville Lake
Excellent rating for crappie; 29,592 acres, Denton County.
See detailsCaddo Lake
Excellent rating for crappie; 26,800 acres, Harrison County and Marion County.
See detailsRay Roberts Lake
Excellent rating for crappie; 25,600 acres, Denton County and Cooke County.
See detailsLake Lavon
Excellent rating for crappie; 21,400 acres, Collin County.
See detailsWright Patman Lake
Excellent rating for crappie; 18,994 acres, Bowie County and Cass County.
See detailsBois d'Arc Lake
Excellent rating for crappie; 16,641 acres, Fannin County.
See detailsHubbard Creek Reservoir
Excellent rating for crappie; 14,922 acres, Stephens County.
See detailsLake Bridgeport
Excellent rating for crappie; 11,954 acres, Jack County and Wise County.
See detailsLake Texana
Excellent rating for crappie; 9,727 acres, Jackson County.
See detailsEagle Mountain Lake
Excellent rating for crappie; 8,738 acres, Tarrant County.
See detailsKeeping crappie in Texas
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White crappie | 25 | 10 in | 25 combined white/black crappie | |
| Black crappie | 25 | 10 in | 25 combined white/black crappie |
Lake specific limits for this fish cover Caddo Lake, Lake Fork, Lake O' the Pines, Lake Nasworthy, Lake Texoma and Toledo Bend Reservoir.
Crappie limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
Record book: Texas crappie
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| fly fishing | 2.02 | 15.25 | Fairfield | 2002 |
| fly fishing | 2.56 | 16 | Conroe | 2007 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 4 | 17 | Toledo Bend | 2002 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 4.56 | Navarro Mills | 1968 |
Crappie records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Hatchery releases of crappie
- Conroe4,000 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- O. C. Fisher500 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
- Hynds Park Pond450 fish stocked, 2024 to 2026
Crappie stocking by water body, TPWD, 2024 to 2026.
Questions about crappie in Texas
Which crappie holds the Texas record?
It weighed 4.56 pounds, caught at Navarro Mills in 1968 on rod and reel.
How many crappie can I keep in Texas?
25 a day statewide with a 10 inch minimum.
Which lakes rate excellent for crappie in Texas?
Try Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Richland Chambers Reservoir, Lewisville Lake and Caddo Lake, all rated excellent by TPWD.
When do crappie spawn or bite best in Texas?
Nests in spring, generally at 65-70F (observed as low as 56F).
What habitat do crappie use?
Schools around submerged trees, boat docks and other structure; Found statewide except upper Rio Grande and Pecos drainages.
Where do special crappie rules apply in Texas?
Several do, such as Caddo Lake, Lake Fork, Lake O' the Pines, Lake Nasworthy and Lake Texoma.
Has TPWD stocked crappie recently?
Conroe received the most from 2024 to 2026.
What license covers crappie in Texas?
From age 17, crappie anglers carry a license with the freshwater endorsement.
What do biologists call crappie?
Pomoxis annularis and Pomoxis nigromaculatus.
Are state park crappie subject to limits?
The same crappie limits apply, and no license is needed inside the park.
More species pages
Every Texas sport fish has a page like this one for crappie.