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#31

Alamo / Alamo 4/18 - AZMDO Mal Hiatt C...

Last post by OneBlade - April 19, 2026, 08:18 AM

Fished Alamo Lake as part of the Mal Hiatt memorial crappie tournament on Saturday. This event was setup and sponsored by the Arizona Mule Deer Org along with help from the Mudshark Marine crappie trail. I'll post those results in another topic.

Perfect weather no wind it was just me on my boat tried chasing crappie with livescope casting jigs, plus had a long pole on the back. Caught 1 on the long pole (bare minnow) so put my casting rod away and trolled for a couple hours with 2 long poles off the front instead but didn't catch anything. Back to casting jig tipped with minnow to 1s and 2s crappie was able to catch 20+ crappie. However max size was 1.29lb so I didn't do well enough to place in the tournament.

But this was first time I think with just me in the boat with livescope and got my confidence up. Helped to have minimal wind. Found sweet spot to cast 20-45ft away as if you get too close they go down or move away. Just needed to cast well and multiple tries and eventually they'd hit it.

Finished middle or so of the tournament was very happy with that given the competition was tough.

[Crappie in Arizona: Species, Identification, and Stocking History]

#32

Crappie Questions / Re: What Types of Crappie Are ...

Last post by OneBlade - April 16, 2026, 06:39 AM

Crappie in Arizona: Species, Identification, and Stocking History

In Arizona, there are two species of crappie you can catch: black crappie and white crappie.

The primary species found in most Arizona lakes—including Alamo, Bartlett, Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt, Patagonia, Lake Powell, and others—is the black crappie. This includes the blacknose crappie commonly caught in Bartlett and Roosevelt Lakes. Blacknose crappie in Arizona are still black crappie; they simply have a natural genetic marker that produces the distinctive black stripe along their back. These fish were introduced through stocking efforts by the Arizona Game & Fish Department (AZGFD). They are not hybrids or Magnolia crappie—just a strain of black crappie.

The other species, white crappie, is currently only found in Lake Pleasant. It is unknown when or how white crappie were introduced there. They were also present in the San Carlos Reservoir prior to the 2018 fish kill, though their origin there is also unknown.
If you catch a white crappie in any Arizona lake besides Lake Pleasant, please share a picture.

How to Tell the Difference
The most accurate way to distinguish between black and white crappie is by counting dorsal spines:
    • Black crappie: 7–8 dorsal spines
    • White crappie: 5–6 dorsal spines
Additional visual differences:
    • Black crappie: darker, random speckling with a deeper body
    • White crappie: vertical bars with a more elongated, slender shape

Stocking and Sourcing
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has explored stocking white crappie but has had difficulty sourcing them. Their current supplier for black crappie is Mr. Fish Transport out of Arkansas.

Hybrid Crappie
Hybrid crappie are not a separate species. They are a genetic cross between black and white crappie, producing an F1 (first-generation) hybrid. These can occur naturally and are typically not sterile, though they have reduced fertility and lower reproduction rates.

If any natural hybrids exist in Arizona, they would most likely be found in Lake Pleasant, though they are expected to be rare. If you catch one, please share a picture.

Magnolia Crappie
Magnolia crappie are a hatchery-produced, sterile (triploid) hybrid created by crossing a male blacknose black crappie with a female white crappie. They are produced in controlled environments using pressure-treated eggs.

About 60% of Magnolia crappie display a prominent black stripe from the dorsal fin over the head to the lip, which can lead to confusion with naturally occurring blacknose crappie. However, Magnolia crappie are not present in Arizona.

If you catch one in another state, please share a picture.

Recent Crappie Stocking History (AZGFD)
    • 2016 – Tempe Town Lake
    • 2017 – Tempe Town Lake
    • 2017 – Roosevelt – 10,000
    • March 2019 – Bartlett & Roosevelt – 11,000
    • March 2021 – Bartlett – 14,000
    • March 2021 – Roosevelt – 14,000
    • March 2022 – Bartlett – 30,000
    • March 2022 – Roosevelt – 75,000
    • Feb 2023 – Bartlett – 10,000
    • Feb 2023 – Roosevelt – 10,000
    • March 2023 – San Carlos
    • May 2024 – Roosevelt – 20,000
    • May 2024 – Bartlett – 10,000
    • March 2025 – Bartlett – 10,000
    • March 2025 – Roosevelt – 10,000
    • March 2026 – Bartlett – 10,000
    • March 2026 – Roosevelt – 10,000

Walleye Stocking
Many crappie anglers also enjoy targeting walleye. Recent stockings include:
    • June 2022 – Apache & Canyon – 1.5 million walleye
    • 2024 – Apache, Canyon, and Saguaro – walleye

If you catch a walleye in Arizona, please share a picture and the lake where it was caught.

Learn More
To learn more about the Arizona Crappie Association:
    • Website: https://azcrappie.com
    • FAQ: https://azcrappie.com/contact/
    • Community Forum: https://forum.azcrappie.com/

#33

Upcoming Events / Re: Arizona Mule Deer Organiza...

Last post by OneBlade - April 15, 2026, 07:04 AM

They have the large group site and weather looks good.  Who's going?  Here's more info from AZMDO:

Hey all! Come on out and support AMDO while catching fish! Saturday the 18th of April at Alamo lake!
Be there Saturday at 5 am and check in. Two people per team and $150.00 per team to enter. You can have two teams in each boat.
Once you are there you can add to the Big Fish pool and the Goon Fish pool.
The team winners will be for 1st,2nd,and 3rd after the 50/50 split for AMDO. Goon (any fish other than Crappie) and Big Fish (crappie only) will be a strait 50/50 split with AMDO.
We will be at the big event's campground but  you will need to go to the Alamo Store and get your daily permits.
We have a great time and Saturday we have a burger and dog dinner.
We will have several items for the bucket raffle and the top prize will be a firearm.
Please come on out and let's have some fun!
#crappiefishing
#alamolake
#arizonafishing
#HuntingHeritage
#drivenbyconservation
#arizonamuledeerorg
Randy Blachley Jr.
#mudsharkmarine

#34

Crappie Questions / What Types of Crappie Are in A...

Last post by OneBlade - April 13, 2026, 06:48 AM

Who knows what about the different types of crappie we have in Arizona?  What type of crappie a blacknose crappie?  Where can you find white, hybrid, or magnolia crappie in Arizona?  Best answer gets mentioned in our next newsletter!

#35

Upcoming Events / Re: Arizona Mule Deer Organiza...

Last post by OneBlade - April 10, 2026, 06:30 AM

I confirmed the tournament for this is only Saturday, April 18th

#36

San Carlos / San Carlos Draining Fast

Last post by OneBlade - April 03, 2026, 11:19 AM

From San Carlos Recreation and Wildlife Department:

⚠️SAN CARLOS LAKE UPDATE⚠️
San Carlos Lake is currently at 1.93% capacity and water levels are continuing to drop as more water is being released.
At the current rate, we are seeing an approximate 0.5% decrease every 10 days. If this trend continues:
🔺 Boat launching may no longer be possible soon
🔺There is a potential for a fish kill before the end of the month
We encourage all visitors, anglers, and community members to plan accordingly and stay informed as conditions continue to change.
Further updates will be provided as they become available.

And per Randy Blachley, they lifted all limits.

#37

All Other Lakes / April 2026 Crappie Fishing Rep...

Last post by OneBlade - April 01, 2026, 07:19 AM

April 2026 Crappie Fishing Report

The following up-to-date report was provided by AZ Crappie Sniper Guide Service. If you're interested in a guided trip for crappie contact Randy Howton at 623-640-9193 and randyhowton@yahoo.com.

Alamo Lake

Crappie are in multiple stages of the spawn, with some fish already spawning and others moving in. Anglers do not need live/forward-facing sonar (FFS) and can find spawning crappie in 5–10 feet of water using minnows. Those using FFS or trolling can also find roaming pre- and post-spawn crappie holding in 15–25 feet.

Bartlett Lake

Crappie fishing patterns are inconsistent, making this a bit more challenging. Some fish are schooling in open water around Yellow Cliffs, while others are spawning in brush in 10–15 feet. Minnows are effective in the brush, while jigs work well for targeting schooling fish.

Lake Pleasant

Crappie are actively spawning in 5–10 feet of water, with most reports focused on shallow bites using minnows. Key areas producing fish include Humbug Bay and Castle Creek.


Roosevelt Lake

Fishing is excellent right now, with a strong bite and plenty of quality fish being caught. Most success is coming from 10–20 feet of water in brush on both the Salt and Tonto ends, with jigs being the primary presentation.

Patagonia Lake

Crappie are holding shallow and relating to weed beds, making them accessible to anglers targeting nearshore cover.

Notice
Check out our latest AZCA Crappie Fishing Report and Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/81ea2a89e3f6/azca-crappie-fishing-report-newsletter-2570 (be sure and subscribe to receive them to your inbox)

And if you appreciate these fishing reports, please help this community and post your own crappie fishing report in our Lake Reports forum board: https://forum.azcrappie.com/index.php#c4

#38

Spring Crappie Fest / Re: 2026 Spring Crappie Fest R...

Last post by OneBlade - March 29, 2026, 04:27 PM

One more pic...

#39

Spring Crappie Fest / Re: 2026 Spring Crappie Fest R...

Last post by OneBlade - March 29, 2026, 04:27 PM

A few more pictures from Saturday's weigh-in for both AZCA and LTF crappie tournaments, provided by Tracy and Theresa from LTF.  https://www.letstalkfishin.com/

#40

Spring Crappie Fest / Re: 2026 Spring Crappie Fest R...

Last post by OneBlade - March 29, 2026, 02:55 PM

And thank you to the following business and individuals who donated to the Arizona Crappie Association for this event:

* Scheels Chandler (Michelle Johnson): $225 worth of Gift Cards for the tournament winners
* Mudshark Marine (Brian Bernard): 1 Lithium Ionic 4-Bank 12V 10A Charger
* AZ Crappie Sniper Guide Service (Randy Howton, Tim Mraz): 1 BnM 8' Pole, 1 Sam Heaton 7' Pole
* Get Out & Fish (Richard Johnson): 2 AZ Crappie Sniper Crappie Kits
* James Rollins: 2 Waterproof Rain Jackets
* Ben Nesiu: 2 360 Swivel Stable Hunting/Livescope Chairs
* Ellen Rokusek: 1 Hand Painted Crappie Picture
* Let's Talk Fishin' (Tracy & Theresa Purtee): Ran both AZCA and LTF crappie tournaments, doing the livewell checks, morning send-off, took pictures, and did the weigh-in. They also let the AZCA use their mic/speaker and stage for the meeting and raffle.

And thank you to following business who gave the Arizona Crappie Association a discounted price for the following raffle item:
* Liars Korner: Shimano XLS Xt Reel

Please show your support to these local businesses by using their services or stores when you can and be sure and mention your thanks from the Arizona Crappie Association.