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Slab-Shattering History: The 5 Biggest Minnesota State Record Crappie Catches Of All Time

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The Minnesota state record crappie is a title that has changed hands multiple times in recent history, making it one of the most exciting and competitive fishing records in the state. As of late 2024, the bar has been set incredibly high, with two different anglers making national headlines for landing true "slab" crappies that redefined what was possible in Minnesota's waters. The race to hold the certified weight record has never been more intense, driven by the dedication of anglers and the incredible productivity of certain Minnesota lakes.

This article dives deep into the most recent, verified Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) certified weight record, providing the full details of the angler, the immense size of the fish, and the specific lake that produced the trophy. We will also explore the recent "record wars" that saw the title broken not once, but twice in a single season, and provide you with actionable tips and the best locations to help you pursue the next state-record black crappie.

The Current Minnesota State Record Black Crappie Holder: Axel Angelow

The current, heaviest certified-weight Minnesota state record for a Black Crappie belongs to a young angler who proved that age is no barrier to catching a true giant. The record fish was a colossal specimen that officially surpassed all previous certified catches.

Axel Angelow Biography & Record Profile

  • Angler: Axel Angelow
  • Hometown: Faribault, Minnesota
  • Record Fish Species: Black Crappie
  • Certified Weight: 3 pounds, 13 ounces
  • Length: 18 inches
  • Date Caught: Late October (Year implied as very recent, late 2023 or 2024)
  • Body of Water: Cedar Lake, Rice County, Minnesota
  • Significance: This catch is one of the heaviest Black Crappies ever recorded in the United States and officially holds the Minnesota certified weight record.

Axel Angelow's massive 3-pound, 13-ounce Black Crappie was caught on Cedar Lake, a body of water known for producing large panfish. The fish was 18 inches long and officially certified by the Minnesota DNR, solidifying its place in the state's fishing history.

The Crappie Record Wars: A History of Slab-Shattering Fish

The Minnesota state crappie record has seen a dramatic shift in recent years, with multiple anglers setting and immediately breaking the benchmark. This rapid succession of record catches highlights a golden era for trophy crappie fishing in the state.

Before Angelow's monumental catch, the record was briefly held by another dedicated angler, Nolan Sprengeler, who famously broke his own record not once, but twice in a single spring season.

Nolan Sprengeler's Double Record

Nolan Sprengeler, of Plymouth, MN, first set a new certified weight record for Black Crappie in April. He then broke that record again a month later in May with an even larger fish.

  • Sprengeler's Second Record (May Catch): 3 pounds, 8.9 ounces
  • Length: 17.5 inches
  • Location: Cedar Lake, Rice County (The same lake as Angelow's later record)

Sprengeler’s 3-pound, 8.9-ounce crappie was a major achievement and was the certified record for a period. The fact that two record-breaking fish were pulled from Cedar Lake in quick succession suggests that this specific body of water has exceptional conditions for growing "slab" crappies to immense sizes.

Historically, the Black Crappie certified weight record was often lower, with one of the most cited older records being 3 pounds, 4 ounces from Lake Plantagenet in 1945. The recent spree of 3+ pound catches demonstrates a significant increase in the size of trophy crappie available to Minnesota anglers.

Hunting the Next MN State Record: Tips and Top Lakes

Catching a fish of state-record caliber requires a combination of knowledge, persistence, and being in the right place at the right time. For anglers hoping to land the next certified weight crappie, focusing on specific techniques and proven trophy lakes is essential.

Top Minnesota Lakes for Trophy Crappie

While the record fish came from Cedar Lake in Rice County, several other Minnesota lakes are known for their potential to produce large, three-pound-plus crappies. These lakes should be on the radar of any serious slab hunter:

  • Cedar Lake (Rice County): The current undisputed champion for giant Black Crappie.
  • Artichoke Lake: A fishery known for frequently experiencing good reproduction and high numbers of large panfish.
  • Lake Plantagenet: The source of a long-standing historical record, indicating its continued potential for large fish.
  • Galpin Lake: Located near Excelsior in the Twin Cities Metro Area, it has a history of producing high numbers of large crappies.
  • Clearwater Lake: A popular choice, though the number of true trophy fish can fluctuate yearly.

Advanced Crappie Fishing Tips for Minnesota Anglers

Trophy crappies often behave differently than smaller fish, requiring specialized techniques, especially when transitioning between ice fishing and open water seasons.

1. Target the Ice-Out Transition

The period immediately after the ice leaves a lake (known as "ice-out") is a prime time for large crappies. Look for shorelines that warm up a few degrees faster than the rest of the lake, as these areas will hold large concentrations of fish.

2. Fish After Dark

Crappies are often more aggressive and willing to move into shallower water to feed after the sun goes down. Night fishing can be incredibly effective, especially during the ice fishing season.

3. Downsize Your Presentation

If you are marking fish on your sonar but not getting bites, the fish are likely "neutral" or finicky. Slow down your presentation and downsize your bait. Tiny jigs, small spoons, or micro-plastics tipped with a live minnow or wax worm can often trigger a bite from a large, cautious crappie.

4. Understand the DNR Certified Weight Rules

To ensure your catch qualifies as the next state record, you must follow the Minnesota DNR's certified weight record fish program rules. The fish must be weighed on a certified scale (often found at bait shops or meat markets) and witnessed. You must also complete the official application form to ensure the record is properly certified and recognized.

The new Minnesota state record crappie is a testament to the quality of fishing in the state. Whether you are fishing the metro lakes or the large northern reservoirs, the potential for a 3-pound-plus crappie is real and waiting to be discovered.

mn state record crappie
mn state record crappie

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