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Chain Pickerel

Chain Pickerel

Chain Pickerel are torpedo-shaped predators found throughout Georgia's lakes, streams, rivers, reservoirs, and swampy waters.

These pike family members are aggressive ambush predators that hide in aquatic vegetation, striking prey with sudden bursts of speed using needle-sharp teeth.

Scientific Name: Esox niger

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their distinctive dark chain-like markings on greenish sides and a vertical dark bar beneath the eye.
  • In Georgia, pickerel can reach weights of nearly 10 pounds with 1-3 pounds being average.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found throughout Georgia's lakes, streams, rivers, reservoirs, and swampy waters.

Key Locations

  • Several Northeast Georgia lakes (Burton, Seed, and Rabun), the Okefenokee Swamp (notably Billy's Lake), Banks Lake near Lakeland, and George L.
  • Smith State Park's Parrish Mill Pond.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure like cypress stands, brush piles, dock pilings, and channel edges where baitfish congregate.
  • Target vegetated areas including weed beds, lily pads, cypress trees, fallen timber, and swampy backwaters.

Chain Pickerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Chain Pickerel in Georgia?

King Jack Spinners and inline spinners, 1/16 and 1/8 oz beetlespins in white or yellow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, buzz baits, spoons (particularly Johnson Silver Minnows), soft plastics, and topwater lures. Live bait: 4-5 inch shiners, large minnows, or sunfish on size 1-2 fine wire hooks.

What flies work for Chain Pickerel in Georgia?

In summer/early fall: topwater flies like poppers, deer hair bugs, or foam patterns near cover. For cooler months: streamers like Wooly Buggers, Zonkers, Clouser Minnows, or Lefty's Deceivers in sizes 2/0-4.

When is the best time to fish for Chain Pickerel in Georgia?

October through March is the best fishing period for Chain Pickerel in Georgia, with winter being particularly productive since they're one of the few freshwater species active in cold weather.

How do you catch Chain Pickerel in Georgia?

Cast parallel to cover with steady, moderate retrieval speeds, or try trolling spoons and crankbaits in mid-summer when fish move deeper. For live bait, allow time for pickerel to turn and swallow bait headfirst before setting the hook. For fly fishing, strip 6-12 inches at a time with pauses.

What do Chain Pickerel eat?

Diet consists primarily of fish including golden shiners, brown bullheads, and pumpkinseed sunfish (found in 47.3%, 13.8%, and 13.2% of stomach contents respectively in studies), plus crayfish (42% of specimens), frogs, snakes, mice, worms, and insects.

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