URL Black Crappie Outlook
March 30, 2001
By Ted J. Sledge
Large Lake Specialist

For a few years now, black crappie fishing on Upper Red Lake has been phenomenal. Anglers from all parts of Minnesota and neighboring states have been enjoying an unprecedented crappie fishery especially during the winter months. Needless to say, the current Upper Red Lake crappie rush will be entrenched in anglers minds for years to come.

Now, coming on the heels of this success, anglers are asking..."Can the DNR manage crappie to sustain this high quality fishery for the long term through the use of special regulations?" More than likely, not.

Following a decline in walleye numbers and the subsequent collapse of the fishery in the mid 1990s, black crappie flourished primarily due to the production of a super strong year class of fish hatched in 1995. This year class of fish was by far the largest ever seen on Upper Red Lake.

Although there has been some natural reproduction following this year class, the numbers are not nearly as great. As the walleye population recovers, mother nature suggests that the competition between these species will favor walleye, and crappie numbers will most likely decline to previous levels.

Some anglers have even questioned if it is wise to be attempting walleye recovery if it results in the demise of this incredible crappie fishery. It needs to be understood that the current fish community is by no means a stable situation. Fortunately, the crappie has been the opportunistic species to prosper rather than a less desirable species such as the freshwater drum (sheepshead).

Walleye have been the dominant fish species in Upper Red Lake for the last century, and there is no doubt they are the most ecologically suited for the available habitat. The sooner the walleye population can be restored to sustainable levels, the quicker the entire fish community can attain a reasonable level of stability.

Although the current level of fishing pressure and crappie harvest appears immense, a relatively small portion of the lake is being fished. If not harvested, most crappie will eventually die due to natural causes. At age five this dominant crappie year class has probably already peaked in biomass which means the rate of loss through natural mortality is now exceeding the rate of gain (individual growth).

Most regulations can only be effective when a fish population can adequately maintain itself through relatively consistent reproduction. Although unlikely, black crappie may pull off another strong year class to support the fishery, but like the fishery today, this would only provide temporary high quality fishing.

Keep in mind that the population of mature crappie's that created this dominant year class was not particularly abundant, so spawning conditions and the lack of competition probably played a larger roll than spawner abundance. At this time, it makes little biological sense to use more restrictive regulations to manage the black crappie fishery on Upper Red Lake that is based on one extraordinary year class of fish.

Currently, the black crappie fishery is providing an economic bridge for area businesses during walleye recovery efforts and anglers should enjoy what mother nature has to offer. Crappie will always be present in Upper Red Lake and provide angling opportunities, but in time as this dominant year class ages, fishing success will likely decrease to levels anglers were accustomed to prior to the "boom."

[Editors Note]: The Angel Eye Spoon is an excellant vehicle for attracting fish and when slightly jiggled can entice a good bite. The Angel Eye JR is highly effective for Upper Red Lake Crappies and Perch. Click here to see them.