One thing to share and I need to ask about Chain Pickerel: I am back from my annual musky fishing trip to Hayward Wisconsin. The muskies did not cooperate as well as last year. But I...

MuskyJohn Loc: Benton Harbor, MI

I am back from my annual musky fishing trip to Hayward Wisconsin. The muskies did not cooperate as well as last year. But I bought a boat this Summer that was a heap after having been left outside for years. I completely gutted it and finish it. See what you think. But it was a big hit up in WI.
The other thing is that since I love Esox - Muskies, Pike , Pickerel. - I am trying to catch all of the different species here in North America. I've caught everything except any Pickerels. I will have to travel to find the Chain Pickerel. Can anyone tell me where to find Chain Pickerel that might be close to Michigan.
I'm thinking that Pennsylvania might be the closest state. I've heard that Ohio has them too, but I don't think the numbers. Any help is appropriated and I'd probably rather fish from shore for them if possible.
Thanks Guys. And the decal on the side says "Loch Ness Research Team For Official Use Only."
And you can't rebuild a boat without putting shark teeth on the front of it if you like fish with teeth.

smitty Loc: maine

had chain pics in lake in fla
have another type pickeral here in maine
how far north does the chain type live?

MuskyJohn Loc: Benton Harbor, MI

I am going to FL early in the year to fish for Redfin Pickerel and may be able to find the Chain there as well.
I have heard the Chain Pickerel goes basically from TX all the way up the East coast up into Canada. But mostly toward the East coast. I see lots of photos of guys from New Jersey catching them. I was hoping to find them down South or closer to the Midwest. Another question would be what baits are best? Live minnows and/ or spinners etc?
Thanks again.

Maineboyfishing Loc: Coastal Maine

I fished for them in Massachusetts and what they like are weeds. If you can find weeds in a pond then you will probably find pickerel. I use topwaters, spinnerbaits, and Texas rigged flukes. I get great results with those, especially chartreuse or yellow because where I fish for them their main food source is perch. Also they are most active during the winter and early spring (March April). Ice fishing with shiners is also a great tactic, and you will definitely catch other species if you fish with shiners.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

MuskyJohn wrote:

I am back from my annual musky fishing trip to Hay... (show quote)

Nice job on the boat John, here in CT there are Chain Pickerel everywhere. I've caught them by accident on every type of Bass lure except jigs. When I was a kid, and wanted to catch them, a Red and White Daredevil was the go-to bait for Pickerel. As for live bait,shiners below a bobber, outside a weed or reed patch should work if there's Pickerel in the lake. Good Luck in your search.

MuskyJohn Loc: Benton Harbor, MI

What I should really do is to pick a place out on the East Coast that's beautiful to visit and fish for them there.
I fish Canada, and the photo of the boat is from the Chippewa Flowage in Wisconsin. My Redfin trip is going to be mucking around in the mud in the Florida Panhandle. I guess it makes it fun with going to all the different places. And I have friends everywhere fishing this way. Incidentally, if I walk outside I could throw a rock and have it go into Lake Michigan from my office. I've grown up here in St. Joseph, MI of Steelhead and Salmon fame. But I can't stand trolling. I just get bored and have to be hands on.
Thanks for all of the help. You guys are great.

MuskyJohn Loc: Benton Harbor, MI

Thanks on the boat!!! One guy saw the "For Officaial Use Only" while I was out on the lake and was trying to not make eye contact. He asked his wife if she thought they were doing anything illegal. She said I don't think so. Then he noticed the emblem said Loch Ness Research Team. He told me this when I was packing the boat up to leave. We had a good laugh.
But no matter what, you have to have fun. Even if you are a nerd like me.

Lee626 Loc: Brick NJ [ near the Jersey shore ]

We have plenty of chain pickeral here in Jersey, most lakes and ponds have them, it's easier to catch them in the ponds, like Fredfish said we catch them accidentally on our bass lures, they get pretty big too, by the way nice job on your boat

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

MuskyJohn wrote:

Thanks on the boat!!! One guy saw the "For Officaial Use Only" while I was out on the lake and was trying to not make eye contact. He asked his wife if she thought they were doing anything illegal. She said I don't think so. Then he noticed the emblem said Loch Ness Research Team. He told me this when I was packing the boat up to leave. We had a good laugh.
But no matter what, you have to have fun. Even if you are a nerd like me.

Fun is the reason for doing what we do John. We've got guys on here that will wear an ICE or Border Patrol hat when they go to the DMV. Talk about clearing a room! LOL

Jim Sargent Loc: Payson, AZ

Nice boat.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Here's a decent accidental Pickerel from the summer John.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

MuskyJohn wrote:

I am back from my annual musky fishing trip to Hay... (show quote)

Welcome to the Forum, MuskyJohn. Sorry, I can't help you out on the muskies or the pickerel. I have fished for muskies up at Hayward and the Lake of the Woods but never connected. I have never fished for pickerel. Enjoy the ride.

Nice job on the boat, what kind is it?

TonyB Loc: Dudley Massachusetts

My profile shows me with a pickerel in Massachusetts that was early spring. Through the Ice in winter is great in Massachusetts use shiners. Good luck. Great job on your boat.

Billswest Loc: Eagle, Idaho

I've had some luck with chain pickeral in the past when fishing Canandaigua Lake, one of the 5 Finger Lakes found in central New York. The fish ranged in size from 10-20 ". I fished them from shore near Roseland Park, on the outskirts of the city just south of town. This part of the state is beautiful, particularly this time of year when he leaves on the trees in the hardwood are changing color to bright crimson, red and yellow. All 5 lakes are within a reasonable distance of each other, and all have excellent fisheries for cool and cold water species. A number of towns in the area offer all the accommodations you would need. Just a nice time of year to be there that, if you hi it right, can offer some outstanding fishing opportunities. Best of luck if you decide to give it (them) a shot....

Big A Loc: Mesa, Arizona

MuskyJohn wrote:

I am back from my annual musky fishing trip to Hay... (show quote)

Here's a distribution map for
chain pickerel in the U.S.; I hope
it helps ! You can probably find info on numbers/concentration
on the 'net' as well, by state F&G
agencies if nowhere else !