How to target Pickerel

Chain Pickerel

The chain pickerel (Esox niger) is widely distributed in lakes and rivers south of the

Adirondacks and east of the Genesee River. A modest-sized fish, it averages one to two

pounds in weight and 15 to 20 inches in length. Its fully scaled cheeks and gill covers

distinguish it from the northern pike and muskellunge, while its large size and distinct

chain link marks on its sides differentiate it from other pickerels. The chain pickerel is green

to bronze in color, with eight sensory pores on the undersurface of the lower jaw and a

conspicuous dark bar beneath each eye, which extends straight down or slightly forward.

Pickerel prefer quiet waters with heavy weed growth. They are among the first fishes to

spawn after ice-out in spring (April-May). Mature adults migrate into swampy or marshy

backwater areas to spread their adhesive eggs. Early spawning increases the young chain

pickerels' chances of survival, because they are large enough to feed on the newly hatched

young of other species.

Chain pickerel are favored game fish, especially when one is ice fishing. On light tackle, they are capable of explosive runs which test an angler's ability. Their meat is delicious, but quite bony. To eliminate problems with bones, the fillets can be ground and formed into fish patties.

Redfin Pickerel

Seldom reaching 13 inches in length, the redfin pickerel (Esox americanus americanusis) the smallest of New York State's pikes. It is uncommon in the State, restricted to Long Island and eastern New York.

The redfin pickerel closely resembles the chain pickerel, but is smaller and chunkier.

It is olive green to dark brown in color with wavy vertical bars on its sides and a dark

eyebar beneath its eyes. There are eight sensory pores on the underside of the lower

jaw and the dorsal fin is darkly pigmented orange to red, hence its suitable name

"redfin."

The redfin pickerel occurs in weedy areas of sluggish streams and lakes and ponds.

It is very tolerant of low oxygen conditions and can live in brackish waters, as well.

Like the chain pickerel, it spawns in early spring (March-April) along grassy stream

banks or in flooded backwaters.

Because redfin pickerel are small and similar to chain pickerel, anglers generally do not recognize these fish when hooked. - DEC

Methods of Fishing under construction

I prefer light tackle 4-6 lb test line, my goto rod is a

Shallow water is where you're targeting Pickerel that are waiting to ambush prey. Good places to fish include weed beds, floating vegetation, dock pilings, submerged brush, sunken timber and grassy banks.

Artificials for Pickerel include weedless spoons, crankbaits and lead-head jigs tipped with pork dressings or a mister twister.

You can also use topwater lures such as poppers and buzzbaits, especially if the water is stained or if the surface is choppy fom the wind. Minnow-like lures are good choices, try sizes from 3-5 inches. Spinnerbaits, in-line spinners and weedless spoons are also good choices.

A moderate to fast retrieve is most effective. A steady motion has always worked for me.