Sunfish Family: Sunfish family members are deep and stockily built, attractive in coloration and popular as panfish. Most sunfish spawn in early summer, when water temperatures warm to the mid-60 and low 70-degree range. Male sunfish build nests by excavating soft substrate with their fins to expose sand, gravel, roots or other firm objects for females to lay their eggs over.
Identification: Flat, silvery and marked with irregular dark spots. Positively identified by its 7-8 spines in the dorsal fin.
Notes: The crappie is an attractive and desirable fish. It prefers clear water conditions and feeds primarily on small fish as an adult. Black crappies can reach lengths of 17 inches and live into their teens.
Habitat & Range
The crappie is an attractive and desirable fish. It prefers clear water conditions and feeds primarily on small fish as an adult. Black crappies can reach lengths of 17 inches and live into their teens.
Fishing Season
Open year-round (April 1 – March 31)
License & Regulations
A valid North Dakota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident licenses are available. Two free fishing days per year (typically in June and December) allow fishing without a license. Purchase licenses online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Size
small fish as an adult. Black crappies can reach lengths of 17 inches and live into their teens.
Regulations
Crappie: 10 daily creel, 20 possession.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | Fishing | Regulations | Season Dates | Open year-round (April 1 – March 31) | Link |
| North Dakota | Fishing | License | License & Fees | A valid North Dakota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident licenses are availa | Link |
