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Redfin Pickerel

Redfin Pickerel

Redfin Pickerel are the smallest member of the pike family, typically reaching only 12 inches in length when full grown.

In New Jersey, they are native species found along the Atlantic slope in marshy areas and slow pools of creeks, particularly in heavily vegetated backwater ponds and streams.

Scientific Name: Esox americanus americanus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by distinctive red fins, a blue tongue, and vertical dark green streaks on their lateral sides, with overall coloration ranging from green to brown.
  • They have large eyes and lateral line system to detect prey movement.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found along the Atlantic slope in marshy areas and slow pools of creeks, particularly in heavily vegetated backwater ponds and streams.
  • New Jersey populations remain stable, particularly in southern regions like the Pine Barrens, though they have been disappearing somewhat from Pennsylvania tributaries of the Delaware River.

Key Locations

  • Backwater ponds on the Atlantic slope in South Jersey, the Pine Barrens region, slow-moving tributary streams, and the Passaic River in Morris County.

Specific Spots

  • Heavily vegetated areas including lily pads, submerged weed beds, thick aquatic vegetation, structure like stumps, fallen logs, and weed edges in shallow water typically 1-3 feet deep.

Redfin Pickerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

1/24 ounce white Rooster Tail spinners with silver blades, gold Trout Magnets for punching through vegetation, small jigs, Texas-rigged soft plastics.

What flies work for Redfin Pickerel in New Jersey?

Small streamers (3 inches or less) with flash and synthetic wings for durability, white streamers, Zonker Rabbit-Strip flies, Black-Ghosts, Clouser Minnows, and Wooly Buggers in sizes 2-6.

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

The best fishing occurs in late winter, spring, and early fall when water temperatures are cooler. The spawning period should be avoided for fishing to protect reproductive success.

How do you catch Redfin Pickerel in New Jersey?

Present lures with slow, erratic retrieves including strip-pause-strip motions, and allow flies to hang motionless as they often strike on the dead stick. The dense vegetation requires weedless presentations, so use Texas-rigged soft plastics or jigs that can punch through thick cover.

What do Redfin Pickerel eat?

Diet consists primarily of smaller fish like mottled sculpin, johnny darter, and minnows, along with crayfish and insect larvae including odonates (dragonflies and damselflies). Newly hatched larvae feed on water fleas, amphipods, and small insects.

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