ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Fish - Grass Pickerel

Grass Pickerel

Grass pickerel are the smallest member of the pike family. They are often found in small slow moving streams with clear water and dense aquatic vegetation.

Grass Pickerel
Esox americanus vermiculatus

At-a-Glance

• Family: Esocidae (Pikes)

• Other Names: Redfin pickerel, mud pickerel, grass pike

• Ohio Status: No special status

• Adult Size: Typically 6-10 inches, occasionally reaches 12 inches.

• Typical Foods: Primarily eats fish, but will eat crayfish, frogs, and larger types of aquatic insect larvae.
Description
The grass pickerel, like other pike species, has a long tubular shaped body. They have a dark tear drop under their eye and a light colored stripe against a darker background down the center of their back. They have a pattern of blotches or vertical lines on their side. Grass pickerel can be distinguished from northern pike or muskellunge by their lack of spots or dark markings on their fins. Chain pickerel differ by having a chain like pattern of large oblong spots on their side, more deeply forked tail, and a longer snout.

Habitat and Habits
Grass pickerel are most common in clear waters with an abundance of dense aquatic vegetation. They can be found in slow moving streams, permanent wetlands, and natural lakes. They are intolerant of turbidity (murky water) and areas that have been extensively channelized or ditched for drainage purposes.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Grass pickerel spawn in the spring when water temperatures range from 43 to 53 degrees Fahrenheit. They migrate upstream, sometimes long distances, in search of shallow backwaters with dense vegetation. They scatter their eggs over vegetation and provide no parental care for the young. The young feed on insect larvae and other aquatic invertebrates until they are large enough to switch over to feeding on small fish. This usually occurs in early June when they reach a length of about two inches.