Pickerel

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Pickerel, a predatory fish also known as chain pickerel or grass pickerel, can be found in various bodies of water across the North/Great Lakes region of the United States. Anglers are drawn to these waters to target pickerel for their aggressive strikes and exciting fishing experiences. The following bodies of water are popular for pickerel fishing in this region:
Michigan: Lake St. Clair, Houghton Lake, and the many inland lakes in Michigan provide excellent pickerel fishing opportunities. Look for pickerel in weedy areas, near drop-offs, and around submerged structures.
Minnesota: Mille Lacs Lake, Leech Lake, and Lake Winnibigoshish are renowned for their pickerel populations. These large lakes offer ample habitat for pickerel to thrive, including weed beds, rocky points, and submerged vegetation.
North Dakota: Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, and smaller lakes and reservoirs across North Dakota are home to pickerel. Target pickerel in weedy bays, along shorelines, and near submerged structures.
Wisconsin: Lake Winnebago, Green Bay, and the Wisconsin River are popular destinations for pickerel fishing. Focus on weed beds, drop-offs, and areas with submerged logs or fallen trees.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Pickerel are typically found in freshwater habitats with ample cover and structure. They prefer weedy areas, including emergent vegetation, submerged weeds, and lily pads. Look for pickerel near drop-offs, points, and areas with submerged structures such as fallen trees or stumps. They are ambush predators, often hiding in cover and striking their prey with lightning-fast attacks.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring months, pickerel become more active as the water temperatures rise. Look for them in shallow bays, near weed beds, and along the shorelines. Use spinnerbaits, topwater lures, or shallow-running crankbaits to entice pickerel. Their aggressive nature makes them susceptible to lures that mimic small fish or create surface disturbances.

SUMMER

In the summer, pickerel tend to seek cooler and shaded areas, often near dense weed beds or submerged structures. They may be found in slightly deeper waters near drop-offs or points. Target pickerel with weedless spoons, soft plastics, or jerkbaits. Retrieve your lures at varying speeds and depths to trigger strikes from these voracious predators.

FALL

As fall arrives, pickerel become more active again, preparing for the colder months ahead. Look for them near weed edges, points, or areas with submerged vegetation. Use jerkbaits, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits to imitate injured baitfish. Pickerel are known to strike aggressively during this season, so be prepared for exciting battles.

WINTER

During the winter months, pickerel can be found in deeper waters, particularly near drop-offs or structures. Ice fishing is a popular method for targeting pickerel during this season. Use jigging spoons, tip-ups with live bait such as minnows or shiners, or ice flies to entice pickerel beneath the ice. Focus on areas with submerged vegetation or near submerged structures.

Pickerel are voracious predators and will strike a variety of baits and lures. Effective bait options for pickerel fishing include spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits, topwater lures, soft plastics, and live bait such as minnows or shiners. Experiment with different colors and presentations to determine what triggers pickerel's aggressive response.