Tom ... we had a post about someone catching a Golden Crappie, several years ago, right here on Crappie.com. I can't remember exactly where it was caught, but I think it was North/East of me ... maybe Va or W. Va ... possibly farther North I just remember the picture & the color of the fish. I don't think we ever did get a follow-up or discussion on why the distinct coloration occurs.
... cp