Other names: Redfin pickerel, Grass pickerel, Brook pickerel
The American pickerels, comprising two subspecies of Esox americanus, are medium-sized predatory fish found in North American freshwater. These fish belong to the pike family (genus Esox, family Esocidae, order Esociformes) and include the Redfin pickerel and Grass pickerel.
Other names
Redfin pickerel, Grass pickerel, Brook pickerel
Length
~15" (max 33)
Weight
~0.5" (max 1)
Water
Fresh
Depth
1-609 ft
Dressed Mepps Aglia
Heddon Zara Spook
Minnows
ShinersAlways open
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Redfin pickerel thrive in clear, vegetated waters like lakes, swamps, and sluggish streams
They prefer areas with abundant cover such as brush piles, overhanging brush, or rocks
This species is rarely found in rivers, opting for calm waters with plenty of hiding spots
In winter, they can be found among dead leaf litter in shallower waters
Spawning occurs in floodplains, grassy banks, and overflow ponds with heavy vegetation
Pickerels spawn in shallow waters
Juveniles are commonly found in flood pools among roots, twigs, and leaves
Larvae stay in very shallow waters, sometimes in roadside ditches, among leaf litter
