This popular sport fish of coastal plain backwaters and streams is well adapted for its ambush-type feeding behavior. Its body and mouth shape are perfectly designed for capturing and consuming other fish. Chain pickerel have been known to capture and attempt to consume fish equal to their own size. Chain pickerel will usually maintain a motionless posture, resembling a drifting stick. This unanimated behavior reduces its detection by prey (other fish) allowing the pickerel the advantage of surprise. Although they have many small bones, they are a good fish to eat.
Range: Common statewide, except for Broad River system
Commonly Mistaken Species: One species of fish that is commonly mistaken for this species:
Redfin pickerel The chain pickerel, however, has a longer snout and a black bar below the eye that streams straight down from the eye.
Habitat & Range
Chain pickerels are found in heavily vegetated areas of sluggish or slow moving rivers, streams, swamps and lakes.
Life History
Spawning: - Chain pickerel spawn when water temperatures approach 45°F, during March and April. However, they may be fall spawners in the coastal plain.
- One female will be joined by one or two males in submerged vegetation.
- Once the eggs are fertilized, they will stick to the aquatic vegetation and other submerged substrate where they incubate until they hatch unattended.
Diet: - Fish
Frequently Asked Questions
Size
14-15 inches 12-14 ounces
Lifespan
Approximately 8 or 9 years
State Record
: 6 pounds 4 ounces (1981)
