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Fish Species - Details
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CHAIN PICKEREL
(Esox niger)
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Other Common Names
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Pickerel, grass pickerel, mud pickerel
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Identifying Characteristics
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Body color varies from green to bronze.
Dark, chain-like markings along the length of body.
Long, thin snout.
14 to 16 branchiostegal rays (slender bones that support the soft part of the gill cover; best
seen from belly side of the fish).
Cheeks and gill cover are completely scaled.
Dark vertical bar below eye.
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Habits and Habitat
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Prefers weedy, quiet waters.
Eats insects, worms, crayfish, and small fish.
Similar to northern pike, but not usually found where larger relatives (muskellunge and
northern pike) are present.
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Tackle and Techniques
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Best taken on light spinning or fly-fishing tackle.
Use of a steel leader is recommended.
Prefer natural baits such as minnows and crayfish, but spoons, spinners, and bucktail jigs also
work well.
Can be taken through the ice.
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Current State Record
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8 pounds, 1 ounce; caught by John Bosland on the Toronto Reservoir in 1965.
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© Sander's Fishing Guides, Inc.
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