01/30/2026
Pickerel are sneaky little fish with some cool quirks. Here are 5 fun facts 🐟
1. They’re basically pike’s smaller, sassier cousin
Pickerel belong to the pike family (Esox). They look fierce with that toothy grin, but they’re usually much smaller than northern pike or muskellunge.
2. Ambush predators with ninja vibes
Pickerel don’t chase their food much—they wait. They hide in weeds and suddenly lunge at prey with lightning speed. Very “surprise!” energy.
3. They’ve got serious teeth
Even though they’re not huge, pickerel have sharp, needle-like teeth that can easily slice fishing line… or an unwary finger. Handle with care 😬
4. Chain pickerel wear a natural “chainmail” pattern
One common species, the chain pickerel, has a cool dark, chain-like pattern along its sides. It’s not just stylish—it helps with camouflage.
5. They’re tough little survivors
Pickerel can live in warm, low-oxygen, weedy waters where many other fish struggle. If a pond seems kind of rough, pickerel might still be thriving there.
Learn more interesting fish facts and gain hands on experience with fishing by joining us:
🌐www.labfishing.org
🐟🐟 Fish credit to our Director of Admin, Kathy Cadigan who hooked this Chain Pickerel and passed off to one of our friends to make his day! 🐟🐟
