Skip to main content

Redfin Pickerel

Redfin Pickerel

The Redfin Pickerel is a native freshwater fish species found statewide in South Carolina, though most common in the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont regions. This torpedo-shaped predator is an apex predator in their environment.

Scientific Name: Esox americanus americanus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Features a narrowly elongated body with a distinctive duck-like snout that's short and wide.
  • The body ranges from brown to dark olive with numerous wavy horizontal bars and a white belly, while the fins display bright orange-red to red coloration, especially pronounced in spawning adults.
  • A characteristic black bar slants backward from the eye toward the gill cover.
  • Averaging 6-10 inches and 5 ounces, these fish can reach up to 1 pound 8.8 ounces.
  • Have numerous sharp teeth and pointed snout.
  • Visual predators with large eyes.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found statewide in South Carolina, though most common in the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont regions.
  • Inhabit heavily vegetated slow-moving streams.

Key Locations

  • Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont regions of South Carolina.
  • Sport fishing is most effective in coastal areas where ideal habitat supports larger specimens.

Specific Spots

  • Heavily vegetated areas of slow-moving streams, swamps, and shallow lake areas.
  • Prefer clear, shallow waters with dense aquatic vegetation or decaying organic matter where they can ambush prey.

Redfin Pickerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Redfin Pickerel in South Carolina?

Small minnows are the preferred live bait. For artificials, downsize typical pike lures - use casting spoons, small shads (soft plastics), poppers, walkers, and frog patterns.

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

Most productive outside of their spawning period (late February through early May). Summer offers good action. Fishing should be avoided during spawning season (late February to early May) to protect breeding populations.

How do you catch Redfin Pickerel in South Carolina?

Small live fish as bait suspended under a bobber or float. Fish in extremely shallow water, as shallow as two feet or even several inches. Dr.agging dip nets through heavy cover works well in summer, with a single drag using a long-handled dip net proving effective.

What do Redfin Pickerel eat?

Feed primarily on smaller fishes, crayfish, and insect larvae, with newly hatched larvae consuming water fleas, amphipods, and insects.

Where do Redfin Pickerel live in South Carolina?

Found statewide in South Carolina, though most common in the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont regions. Inhabit heavily vegetated slow-moving streams.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Redfin Pickerel.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Redfin Pickerel water

    Pick Redfin Pickerel and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Redfin Pickerel

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Redfin Pickerel are.

Open the map, filter by Redfin Pickerel, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

South Carolina licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Explore South Carolina waters

Top fishing waters

Popular Cities

Loading popular cities...

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.