Black Crappie Fishing in Maryland
When black crappie are caught across Maryland, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Black Crappie catch through the year
Recreational catch in Maryland by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching black crappie in Maryland
Black Crappie catches in Maryland run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Mar-Apr. Anglers keep about 100% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Maryland fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch black crappie in Maryland?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Mar-Apr. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release black crappie in Maryland?+
Across Maryland, about 100% of the black crappie caught are kept and 0% are released. That works out to roughly 54K kept and 0 released in 2024.
How many black crappie are caught in Maryland?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 54K black crappie caught by recreational anglers in Maryland in 2024, making it the #23 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this black crappie data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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