Chain pickerel

US fish and state coverage

Esox niger

A state link is a recorded source association, not a catch guarantee or confirmation that targeting is legal. Check current regulations with the responsible state agency.

Peak months
Typical depth
Typical size
Catch minimum
22 inches or 3 lb
National record

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Recorded profile

habitat summary
Found statewide, normally in vegetated lakes, swamps and backwaters of small to large rivers.
diet
eat is good tasting, but quite bony.
preferred bait
Productive lures include spinnerbaits, weedless spoons, surface plugs, crankbaits and jigs. Minnows are a reliable year-round bait.
preferred lures
Chain pickerel are often encountered by bass anglers, especially while plug casting. Productive lures include spinnerbaits, weedless spoons, surface plugs, crankbaits and jigs.
techniques
Chain pickerel are often encountered by bass anglers, especially while plug casting. They are good fighters, especially on light tackle. Productive lures include spinnerbaits, weedless spoons, surface plugs, crankbaits and jigs. Minnows are a reliable year-round bait. The white, flaky meat is good tasting, but quite bony. Image Credit: © Duane Raver, Jr.
peak months
Not recorded

States with a source record

Alabama · Arkansas · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Iowa · Illinois · Indiana · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Massachusetts · Maryland · Maine · Michigan · Minnesota · Missouri · Mississippi · North Carolina · North Dakota · Nebraska · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New York · Oklahoma · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Virginia · Vermont · Wisconsin · West Virginia

Source evidence by state

LoveToFish is a national fishing guide. Fish species coverage spans all 50 states. Ramp, charter, bait shop, and creator directories currently cover Florida. Verify current local regulations with the responsible agency.