These fish are long and slender with a long mouth and well-developed teeth. Pickerel have dark brown or green chainlike marks on the sides with a dark back. The snout is dark, and fins have a dusky coloring to them. Pickerel can weigh 2 to 10 pounds and can reach lengths of up to 31 inches. They can live up to 9 years in the wild with females growing faster and living longer than males.
Habitat & Range
Adults feed mostly on crayfish and small fish like shad, sunfishes, and shiners. They feed mostly in the early morning and late evening. They live in clear lakes and streams but prefer lakes with abundant aquatic vegetation. Pickerel spawn in vegetation as the sticky eggs attach themselves to the plants. Spawning takes place in late winter or early spring when water temperatures are between about 39°F and 59°F. Unlike some species pickerel do not guard the eggs after spawning.
Frequently Asked Questions
State Record
The Mississippi Rod and Reel record weighing 6.25 pounds was caught in Bay Springs Lake by R. Boren in 1986.
Fishing Tips
Pickerel are often caught by anglers using the same artificial lures offered to largemouth bass. Footer Accessibility Careers Contact Us Privacy Policy Staff Portal License Support: 1-800-5GOHUNT Main Office: 1-601-432-2400 1505 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211 Copyright 2023-2026 Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, All Rights Reserved.
