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Chain Pickerel

Chain Pickerel

Chain Pickerel are members of the pike family found throughout New York's freshwater ecosystems. These torpedo-shaped predators are voracious ambush predators.

Scientific Name: Esox niger

Physical Characteristics:
  • These torpedo-shaped predators are easily identified by their distinctive dark chain-like pattern on greenish sides, vertical dark bar beneath each eye, and fully scaled cheeks and gill covers.
  • In New York waters, they typically measure 15-20 inches and weigh 2-4 pounds, though the state record stands at 8 pounds 1 ounce.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit weedy lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving warm-water streams, predominantly in shallow waters less than 10 feet deep with abundant aquatic vegetation.

Key Locations

  • The New York State DEC recommends targeting them in Regions 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8, including waters like Lake George, Brant Lake, Saratoga Lake, Lake Champlain, the Black River, eastern Lake Ontario, St.
  • Lawrence River, Oneida Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Cayuga Lake, and numerous Adirondack ponds.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow areas with emerging vegetation, weed bed edges, shallow points near deep water, and areas with schooling baitfish.
  • During spring, focus on relatively shallow water around vegetation and baitfish pods.
  • In summer, fish densely weeded flats during low light periods, while in winter they move to deeper areas but still cling to vegetation and structure.

Chain Pickerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include Texas-rigged pearl flukes, jointed hard swimbaits, in-line spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, bucktails, jigs, pork rind baits, and various crankbaits. In warmer water, weightless-rigged Berkley PowerBait Minnows or Zoom Flukes.

What flies work for Chain Pickerel in New York?

Target them with large streamers (3-6 inches), craft fur baitfish patterns, wooly buggers, and brightly colored flies in white and chartreuse. Articulated streamers provide excellent movement.

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

Peak activity from early May through July and productive ice fishing from October through March. Chain pickerel spawn in early spring (April-May) in flooded vegetation areas when water temperatures reach 36-72°F, making this period ideal for avoiding fishing pressure on spawning fish.

How do you catch Chain Pickerel in New York?

In warmer water, weightless-rigged Berkley PowerBait Minnows or Zoom Flukes work well with erratic dart-and-pause retrieves. Ice fishing is particularly productive, and they respond well to slow trolling along weed edges during cooler months.

What do Chain Pickerel eat?

Their diet consists primarily of small fish like yellow perch, white suckers, and minnows, plus amphibians, insects, crayfish, and various invertebrates.

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