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Chain Pickerel

Chain Pickerel

Chain Pickerel are native sportfish in Tennessee, though they occur in relatively low numbers and are rarely targeted by anglers. They are small relatives of the muskellunge and members of the pike family.

Scientific Name: Esox niger

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by their very toothy mouths and chain-like pattern on greenish sides.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Chain Pickerel are rare to non-existent in east Tennessee and the Cumberland Plateau regions.
  • These fish are very habitat-specific, preferring clean, clear, still water with abundant aquatic vegetation.
  • They are sensitive to water quality and require specific habitat conditions to thrive.

Key Locations

  • Found primarily in western regions throughout most of west Tennessee, as well as the Buffalo and Duck Rivers of middle Tennessee, extending as far east as Normandy Lake (a Duck River impoundment).
  • Kentucky Lake is particularly notable, with the state record of 7.7 pounds caught there in 1991.
  • They also occur in the Hatchie River.
  • Target them in Kentucky Lake's Big Sandy area, focusing on small creeks and coves with grass or vertical woody structure.

Specific Spots

  • Look for weedy areas in quiet, sluggish waters near aquatic vegetation like lily pads, brush, logs, or any submerged cover where they ambush prey.

Chain Pickerel FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spinnerbaits, rattletraps, silver spoons with pork rind trailers, chugger plugs, slim-minnow lures, jigs, and small spinners in bright colors like yellow and red. Live minnows (2-4 inches) are extremely effective. Jointed hard swimbaits and large jerkbaits can trigger bigger fish.

What flies work for Chain Pickerel in Tennessee?

Large streamers (3-6 inches), including wooly buggers, craft fur baitfish, deceivers, and articulated patterns in white, chartreuse, and flashy colors.

How do you catch Chain Pickerel in Tennessee?

Fish parallel to cover with steady, moderate-speed retrieves, or use a twitch-and-stop method for topwater lures. In thick weeds, try 'skittering' with a long pole, jerking pork frogs across weed openings. Texas-rigged soft plastics work well in heavy cover.

What do Chain Pickerel eat?

As ambush predators, they feed opportunistically on fish (including bluegill, shiners, shad, perch, crayfish, golden shiners, brown bullheads, and pumpkinseed sunfish), frogs, snakes, mice, crayfish, and insects.

Where do Chain Pickerel live in Tennessee?

Chain Pickerel are rare to non-existent in east Tennessee and the Cumberland Plateau regions. These fish are very habitat-specific, preferring clean, clear, still water with abundant aquatic vegetation. They are sensitive to water quality and require specific habitat conditions to thrive.

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