Chain Pickerel
Chain pickerel are Connecticut's largest native freshwater predatory fish and were the top predator in the state's lakes and ponds before bass introductions. These ambush predators are opportunistic feeders that will attack almost anything.
Scientific Name: Esox niger
- These distinctive fish display characteristic dark chain-like markings on bright yellow sides, with dark olive to brown backs fading to white bellies.
- Adults commonly measure 10-18 inches, though Connecticut's state record reached 8.6 pounds at 29.5 inches.
Fishing in Connecticut
Connecticut River
Farmington River
North Atlantic Ocean
Housatonic River
Naugatuck River
The Thimbles
Willimantic River
Westfield River
Paper Rock Shoal
Saugatuck River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- These ambush predators prefer quiet, vegetated areas from small shallow ponds to large lakes.
- Interestingly, chain pickerel are less common in streams west of the Connecticut River for unclear reasons.
Key Locations
- They're found in almost all Connecticut lakes and ponds and most medium to large streams, ranging from rare to common in abundance.
Specific Spots
- Target vegetated flats, weed bed edges, gaps in lily pads, channels near vegetation, drop-offs, and areas with submerged logs or brush.
- They position themselves in or near aquatic vegetation like milfoil, cabbage, and lily pads.
Chain Pickerel FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Chain Pickerel in Connecticut?
Top lure choices include floating and suspending jerkbaits like Rapala X-Rap and Original Floating Minnow, Mepps Aglia inline spinners (sizes #2, #3, #4), soft plastic jerkbaits like Zoom Super Fluke on weedless hooks, walking topwaters like Heddon Zara Spook Puppy for summer surface action, and paddle-tail swimbaits...
What flies work for Chain Pickerel in Connecticut?
For fly fishing, use streamers with built-in flash or realistic baitfish patterns like perch imitations, and frog patterns for surface fishing near lily pads.
When is the best time to fish for Chain Pickerel in Connecticut?
Early spring is the absolute best time when pre-spawn fish are feeding heavily. They remain active throughout winter. In summer, fish shallow vegetated areas during low-light periods and deeper transition zones during midday. Spring and fall fishing should concentrate on channel edges and flats.
How do you catch Chain Pickerel in Connecticut?
Work jerkbaits aggressively in warm water, use subtle twitches in cold water. During winter, focus on deeper channels and vegetation in 2-20 feet of water.
What do Chain Pickerel eat?
They primarily feed by ambushing fish but also forage for invertebrates such as crayfish. Their diet includes smaller fish, frogs, snakes, worms, mice, insects, and crayfish.
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