Characteristics of a Crappie Population in an Unfished Small Impoundment Containing Northern Pike

Abstract

Desirable black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) and white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) populations were documented in a small impoundment in Colorado. Individuals 250 mm long and longer comprised 21% of the black crappies and 44% of the white crappies 130 mm long and longer. Mean relative weight (Wr) information indicated that crappie were in good condition and growth rates were average. Northern pike (Esox lucius) population estimates for 550-mm long and longer individuals varied from 119 to 217 fish during the 1973-1980 sampling period. Biomass of northern pike 550 mm long and longer was estimated to be 18.4 kg/hectare in 1980. Northern pike predation may help maintain desirable crappie populations in small impoundments.