How come northern crappie look different then southern? I can always tell whether on facebook or other forums when someone lives in the Yankee country.

Do they look smug? Sense of entitlement maybe?

the clearer water in those parts frequently produces more vivid colors

I've wondered that too. I figure Ketchn's guess is good as any. Just look at the color of these Maine Black's!
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/main-crappie-fishing-forum/261459-slam-rama-ding-dong-pics.html

and it may very well also have to do with the cooler water in conjunction with the clarity ....
I have noticed fish in some lakes colored up pretty well lately when they normally have not much going on .....

I think the blacks are pretty vivd and colorful down here too. The whites, not so much. Just my .02

I was waiting for the, "thats kinda racist" comment lol

that's a stringer full

It's simpler than that. The southern ones breathe through their mouths. *snicker*