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Grass Pickerel

Grass Pickerel

The Grass Pickerel is the smallest member of the pike family found in Kentucky and are ambush predators that hide in submerged aquatic vegetation, darting out to capture prey. They're visual hunters that feed during daylight hours.

Scientific Name: Esox americanus vermiculatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Typically measuring under 12 inches and weighing between 28-400 grams.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Limited to relatively shallow, slow-moving waters with abundant aquatic vegetation.
  • These fish inhabit sluggish streams, isolated pools, shallow lake bays, swamps, and heavily vegetated areas with muddy bottoms, though they can also exist in rocky substrates.

Key Locations

  • In Kentucky, they're primarily found in the Mississippi embayment of west Kentucky.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on vegetated shallow waters under 10 feet deep, casting around lily pads, weedbeds, milfoil, fallen logs, and shoreline structure.
  • Target areas where vegetation meets open water, as Grass Pickerel ambush prey from cover.

Grass Pickerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Grass Pickerel in Kentucky?

Effective lures include small silver and black jerkbaits (both hard and soft plastic), inline spinners in silver or bright colors, small spoons, and soft plastic swimbaits on 1/8-1/4 oz jigheads. The Zoom Super Fluke rigged weedless is particularly effective.

When is the best time to fish for Grass Pickerel in Kentucky?

Peak fishing from December through March. Fish early morning and late evening during summer months.

How do you catch Grass Pickerel in Kentucky?

Present lures with slow, erratic retrieves during cooler months, switching to more aggressive presentations when water warms. Live minnows suspended under a slip bobber work exceptionally well, positioned just above weed growth. Slow trolling along weed edges proves deadly, especially for kayak anglers.

What do Grass Pickerel eat?

Their diet shifts with size - juveniles under 50mm feed on small crustaceans and aquatic insects including caddisflies and dragonflies, while adults 100-199mm consume mostly sunfish and minnows. Larger specimens over 200mm eat primarily fish.

Where do Grass Pickerel live in Kentucky?

Limited to relatively shallow, slow-moving waters with abundant aquatic vegetation. These fish inhabit sluggish streams, isolated pools, shallow lake bays, swamps, and heavily vegetated areas with muddy bottoms, though they can also exist in rocky substrates.

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