Artificial s can score on pickerel at any depth. For fish holding in deep water, try weedless spoons, diving crankbaits and jigs tipped with pork dressings. However, shallow water is where lures really shine at catching chain sides. Here you’re targeting fish laying in ambush next to weeds, logs or brush, waiting for a minnow to swim by. The water depth can be anywhere from 4 feet to as little as 12 inches! In this situation you can often see as well as feel the strike, making the fishing especially exciting.  

Top water lures such as wobblers, prop lures and poppers will all score on thin-water pickerel, particularly if the water is dingy or a bit ruffled with wind. If it’s clear and still, however, sometimes these big, loud lures will actually spook the quarry. If you find that happening, switch to more subtle, sub-surface offerings.  

Thin-minnow lures are particularly good choices in sizes from 3-5 inches. They can be delivered gently and have a realistic, shimmying action. Spinner baits, spinners and weedless spoons with pork or plastic dressings are also good. Though the fish tend to chew them up a bit, soft plastic jerkbaits are excellent for fooling pickerel.

Keep in mind that these aren’t the only places to try your luck.

Chain pickerel

Author: mkmcst

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