Most crappie in Colorado are Black, 7-8 spines on the dorsal fin, six or less are whites. Color is not a good guide as males of both species turn dark during spawn.
As to where, most every pond in the Fort Collins area have them, including Horsetooth and Carter (personally caught them there). As to quality fish, they exist, even in heavily fished waters, but . . .
Most won't talk about good catches as they are so loved for the table that once most folks find them over 8 inches they go home. Simply crappie get loved to death, literally.
This in one species I would like to see a little more catch and release ethic develop.
Good luck in the search
