American 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.
Length~15 (max 33)
Weight~0.5 (max 1)
WaterFresh
Depth1-609 ft
- Other namesRedfin pickerel, Grass pickerel, Brook pickerel
- Length~15 (max 33)
- Weight~0.5 (max 1)
- WaterFresh
- Depth1-609 ft
Popular lures for American Pickerel
Regulation for American Pickerel
- SeasonAlways open
- Bag limitNo
- Vessel limit-
- Trophy limits-
- Max size-
- Min sizeNo
- Measurement-
- Prohibited methods-
Living Conditions
🐟 Habitat preferences
- 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
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- 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