Pickerel

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Pickerel can be found in various bodies of water throughout the Mid Atlantic region, including lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, and creeks. They are often associated with freshwater habitats and can thrive in both still and flowing waters.
Maryland: Deep Creek Lake, Prettyboy Reservoir, Liberty Reservoir, Chesapeake Bay tributaries, Potomac River.
Virginia: Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, James River, Chickahominy Lake, Lake Chesdin.
West Virginia: Summersville Lake, Stonewall Jackson Lake, Ohio River, Tygart Lake, Burnsville Lake.
Delaware: Noxontown Pond, Silver Lake, Red Mill Pond, Delaware Bay tributaries, Nanticoke River.
North Carolina: Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, Lake Norman, Cape Fear River, Roanoke River.
South Carolina: Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, Lake Hartwell, Santee Cooper Lakes, Congaree River.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Pickerel are often found in areas with ample cover, such as weed beds, submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and brush piles. They are ambush predators and prefer areas where they can hide and wait for their prey.
Look for them near the edges of weed beds, lily pads, and around submerged structures. Pickerel are known to hide in cover and strike at passing prey. They also tend to congregate near drop-offs, points, and areas with varying depths.

PATTERNS

SPRING

During the spring, pickerel become more active as the water temperature rises. Look for them near shallow areas with vegetation, submerged structures, and around cover such as fallen trees or brush piles. They are more aggressive during this time and readily take various baits and lures.

SUMMER

In the summer, pickerel tend to seek cooler and slightly deeper waters, particularly near submerged structures, weed edges, and drop-offs. They may also concentrate near areas with abundant food sources. Fishing early in the morning or late in the evening can be productive during this season.

FALL

As fall arrives, pickerel become more active and feed aggressively to build up energy reserves for the upcoming winter. They may move to shallower areas again, especially near submerged vegetation, rocky points, and creek mouths. Use a variety of baits and techniques, including spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and live bait, to entice them.

WINTER

Pickerel can still be caught during the winter, although they may be less active. Look for them in deeper holes, near submerged structures, or along steep drop-offs. Slow presentations with jigs, crankbaits, or live bait can be effective during the colder months. Fishing near areas with moving water or warmer pockets can increase your chances of success.

Pickerel are aggressive predators and can be caught using a variety of baits and lures. Common options include spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits, soft plastic baits, and live bait such as minnows or nightcrawlers. Experiment with different colors and retrieve speeds to determine what triggers their strikes.