Chain Pickerel

Common Name:

Chain Pickerel

Other Names:

Pickerel, Chainsides, Eastern Pickerel

Scientific Name:

Esox niger

Origin:

Native

Adult Size:

Most of the pickerel caught in Maine are age 3-5, at which time they range in length from 14-19 inches. Productive waters grow good numbers of 2-3 pound fish, along with occasional 4 pound fish. The state record, caught in 1992, weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces.

Identification:

Pickerel are a member of the pike family. The fish is green with the sides prominently marked by yellow-green areas broken by dark, interconnecting lines resembling the links of a chain. The jaws are elongated containing large, sharp teeth; the large dorsal fin is located way back towards the caudal fin, which is forked.

Find more information on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.