Pickerel

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Pickerel, also known as chain pickerel, are freshwater game fish found in various bodies of water across the central region of the United States. These aggressive predators are highly sought after by anglers for their powerful strikes and thrilling fights. The following bodies of water are popular for pickerel fishing:
Illinois: Chain pickerel can be found in lakes and rivers throughout the state, including Lake Michigan, Fox Chain O'Lakes, and Kankakee River.
Indiana: In Indiana, pickerel can be targeted in lakes such as Lake Michigan, Lake Maxinkuckee, and Patoka Lake.
Iowa: Chain pickerel can be found in lakes and rivers across Iowa, including Big Creek Lake, Rathbun Lake, and the Mississippi River.
Kansas: Kansas offers pickerel fishing opportunities in lakes like Milford Lake, Perry Reservoir, and Tuttle Creek Lake.
Kentucky: Pickerel can be caught in lakes and reservoirs such as Lake Barkley, Kentucky Lake, and Green River Lake.
Missouri: In Missouri, pickerel can be found in lakes like Bull Shoals Lake, Mark Twain Lake, and Lake of the Ozarks.
Nebraska: Nebraska provides pickerel fishing opportunities in lakes and reservoirs such as Lake McConaughy, Lewis and Clark Lake, and Harlan County Reservoir.
Ohio: Chain pickerel can be targeted in Ohio's lakes and rivers, including Lake Erie, Mosquito Lake, and Portage River.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Pickerel are freshwater fish that prefer shallow waters with ample vegetation and cover. They are often found in areas with submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky structures. Pickerel are ambush predators and use these structures to hide and wait for their prey. They can be found in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and ponds with suitable habitat.
Look for pickerel in shallow bays, coves, and areas with weed beds. They are known to inhabit areas with varying depths and water temperatures. Pickerel also frequent areas with visible structure, such as submerged rocks or fallen logs. Pay attention to shoreline vegetation, as pickerel tend to roam along the edges of weed beds and near lily pads.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring months, pickerel become more active as the water temperature rises. Look for them in shallow areas near the shoreline, especially areas with vegetation and cover. They will be in pre-spawn and spawn mode, making them more aggressive and easier to catch. Use a variety of lures such as spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastic baits to entice strikes from pickerel.

SUMMER

In the summer, pickerel often retreat to deeper water to seek cooler temperatures. However, they can still be found near weed beds and other structures in the early morning and late evening hours. Target pickerel using topwater lures, buzzbaits, and weedless spoons. Slow presentations around cover and along drop-offs can be effective in triggering strikes.

FALL

As the water temperature begins to cool in the fall, pickerel become more active and start moving to shallower areas. Look for them near weed beds, fallen trees, and other forms of cover. They will be feeding heavily to prepare for the winter months. Use a variety of lures such as jerkbaits, swimbaits, and live bait to target pickerel during this time.

WINTER

In colder winter months, pickerel become less active and tend to congregate in deeper areas with minimal current. They can be found near submerged structures or in deeper holes

Pickerel are aggressive predators that will strike a variety of baits and lures. When targeting pickerel, consider using the following bait options:
Live Bait: Live minnows, shiners, or small sunfish are effective live bait options for pickerel. Rig them on a small hook or use a bobber setup to keep the bait at the desired depth.
Artificial Lures: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, spoons, and soft plastic baits can all be successful in enticing pickerel strikes. Opt for lures that mimic small fish, frogs, or other prey species commonly found in the water.
Topwater Lures: Topwater lures such as buzzbaits, poppers, and frog imitations can be particularly exciting when pickerel are active near the surface. Work these lures in a stop-and-go retrieve to trigger explosive strikes.
Jerkbaits and Swimbaits: These lures imitate wounded baitfish and can be worked in a twitching or erratic retrieve to entice pickerel strikes.
Jigs: Jigs tipped with soft plastic trailers, such as grubs or twister tails, can be effective when fished around cover or along the bottom. Experiment with different colors and sizes