The chain pickerel is an elongated fish with a body shape similar to pike and musky, but they do not grow as large. They have a distinct mottled pattern on their greenish silver body. They have jaws with sharp teeth, which they use to aggressively hunt forage fish and other invertebrates.
They are found in freshwater systems and are often caught by bass fishermen fishing around vegetation and structure.
They will take live bait as well as many types of lures used for bass and other freshwater gamefish. Pickerel really like noisy lures like buzz baits or chuggers. Spinnerbaits also create lots of vibration that help trigger an aggressive bite. Â They are good eating, but have many fine bones that must be dealt with first.