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Redfin Pickerel

Redfin Pickerel

Redfin Pickerel are the smallest members of the pike family found in Maryland, typically measuring 5-9 inches with some reaching 11 inches and weighing 1-2 pounds. They have small populations and are rarely encountered by anglers due to their size.

Scientific Name: Esox americanus americanus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from chain pickerel by their shorter, broader snout, bright red pelvic and pectoral fins, and dark vertical bars on their bodies (rather than chain-like markings).
  • They have large eyes to locate prey visually.
  • Juveniles develop their distinctive stripe markings by age 2.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit shallow, clear freshwater streams, lakes, and swamps with dense aquatic vegetation, preferring depths of only 6-7 feet or less.
  • Much less common than chain pickerel in Maryland waters.

Key Locations

  • Found in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
  • Focus on clear freshwater areas in major drainages, avoiding Housatonic, Thames, and other western watersheds where they're absent.
  • Found in both tidal and nontidal systems in Maryland waters.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas with lots of vegetation or dense decaying organic matter where they hide while waiting for prey.
  • Focus on shallow, heavily vegetated areas of streams, lakes, and swamps.

Redfin Pickerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Summer offers the best opportunities. Spawning season from late February to early May should be avoided for fishing to protect reproduction.

How do you catch Redfin Pickerel in Maryland?

The most effective method is dragging long-handled dip nets through heavy cover during summer months. Traditional rod fishing is often discouraged, but when attempted, use small live fish as bait with a bobber or float.

What do Redfin Pickerel eat?

These ambush predators feed on crayfish, smaller fishes, insect larvae, and newly hatched fish eat insect e.g.gs and spawning fish e.g.gs.

Where do Redfin Pickerel live in Maryland?

They inhabit shallow, clear freshwater streams, lakes, and swamps with dense aquatic vegetation, preferring depths of only 6-7 feet or less. Much less common than chain pickerel in Maryland waters.

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