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Redfin Pickerel

Redfin Pickerel

The Redfin Pickerel (Esox americanus americanus) is a subspecies of freshwater fish in the pike family, distinguished by its brightly colored red fins. Alabama's redfin pickerel are intergrades between the Atlantic Coast subspecies and grass pickerel.

Scientific Name: Esox americanus americanus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Relatively small, typically measuring 7-12 inches and rarely exceeding one pound, with the state record weighing just 13 ounces.
  • They have fully scaled cheeks and gill covers, a darkened vertical bar beneath the eye that slants slightly backward, and an oval or cigar-shaped body.
  • Their coloration ranges from dark green to brown on the back, with variable side patterns from green-and-white reticulate patterns resembling brick walls to green, forward-slanting vertical bars, and cream or yellow bellies.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • More widespread and abundant below the Fall Line, with few collections above the Fall Line or in the Tennessee River drainage.
  • Inhabiting Gulf Coast drainages from the Mobile basin eastward.

Key Locations

  • Gulf Coast drainages from the Mobile basin eastward, throughout southern Alabama, particularly below the Fall Line in the Mobile basin drainage.

Specific Spots

  • Small streams, swamps and isolated overflow pools of rivers, near thick aquatic vegetation, fallen trees, undercut banks, or any structure that provides hiding spots.

Redfin Pickerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Redfin Pickerel in Alabama?

Small lures or live bait, natural-colored lures or live minnows would likely produce strikes.

When is the best time to fish for Redfin Pickerel in Alabama?

Best fishing occurs outside their spawning period (avoid late February through early May when they're reproducing).

How do you catch Redfin Pickerel in Alabama?

Presentations that mimic their prey items (insect larvae, crayfish, and small fish) would be effective.

Where do Redfin Pickerel live in Alabama?

More widespread and abundant below the Fall Line, with few collections above the Fall Line or in the Tennessee River drainage. Inhabiting Gulf Coast drainages from the Mobile basin eastward.

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