Chain Pickerel

Esox niger

The pike family's representative across the Eastern seaboard, chain pickerel fill the predator niche in waters from Maine to Florida where northern pike and muskellunge are absent. These aggressive, weedy-water ambush predators hit hard on topwater lures and provide fast action in ponds, lakes, and tidal creeks throughout the East. Chain pickerel are a gateway species that gets many young anglers hooked on pike-family fishing.

Seasonal Activity

Best Techniques

• casting spinnerbaits
• topwater plugs
• live bait under a bobber
• jigging spoons through ice

Top Baits

• live shiners
• spinnerbaits
• topwater frogs
• jerkbaits
• small spoons