Common names
Southern pike, Grass pike, Jack, Jack fish, Eastern pickerel, Gunny, Gunfish, Slime darts, Chainsides
Chain pickerel
Esox niger
- Freshwater
- Least concern
Max length39 in
Common length16.5 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight9 lb 8 oz
Max Depth20 ft
Max age9 years
Water typeFreshwater
Water temperature50 - 68 °F
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Chain pickerel are usually olive-green or yellowish-brown on the back and sides, shading to a creamy yellow underneath. There is a distinctive pattern of interlocking dark bands on the back and sides that is reminiscent of a chain-link fence. The opercles and cheeks of the fish are entirely scaled. The average chain pickerel caught by fishermen is under 2 lb and has a characteristic slime coating. There is a vertical dark marking underneath the eye which helps to distinguish the chain pickerel from redfin and grass pickerel. A blue colour morph lacking the usual reticulated pattern has been described in a New York population.
Habitat
Common in rivers and streams, they are also found in reservoirs and impoundments on the rivers they inhabited. Even in the smallest of creeks, you may find pickerel. Prefers shallow, weedy waters.
Distribution
Its range is along the eastern coast of North America from southern Canada to Florida, and west to Texas. On the Atlantic Coast, in Maine, New Hampshire, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia although it is considered an invasive species in Nova Scotia, the chain pickerel extend as far as 46°N. The fish inhabits fresh and brackish water from the Mississippi Valley. It also is commonly found in Lake Michigan and the lower portion of the Great Lakes. It is considered invasive in northern areas.
Behaviour
Chain pickerel have been known to capture and attempt to consume fish equal to their own size. Chain pickerel will usually maintain a motionless posture, resembling a drifting stick. This unanimated behaviour reduces its detection by prey (other fish) allowing the pickerel the advantage of surprise.
Edibility
Pickerel have tasty, sweet meat, but few people get past the first mouthful before they give up in disgust at the bones riddling the flesh.
Lure suggestion
Artificial lures can score on pickerel at any depth. For fish holding in deep water, try weedless spoons, diving crankbaits and jigs tipped with pork dressings. Thin-minnow lures are particularly good choices in sizes from 2-4 inches. Good bait: minnows (works best).
Similar species
Other similar species
Redfin pickerel, Grass pickerel