How to Identify Grass Pickerel

To identify Grass Pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Olive green to brownish-green dorsally, fading to a lighter, often yellowish or whitish belly. The sides are marked with numerous dark, wavy, vertical bars or vermiculations (worm-like markings) that extend from the back to below the lateral line. A prominent dark bar is typically present below the eye, often extending vertically.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Fully scaled opercles (gill covers) and cheeks (a key differentiator from larger pikes)., A prominent, dark, vertical bar or teardrop mark below the eye., Snout is relatively short and broad compared to other esocids., Dorsal fin is located far back on the body, directly above the anal fin., Duck-bill shaped snout with numerous sharp, conical teeth.

Dorsal fin

Single, soft-rayed, located far posterior on the body, directly above the anal fin. Typically 11-14 rays.

Tail fin

Forked, with rounded lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, located low on the body.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are abdominal. All fins are generally clear to slightly dusky, sometimes with a reddish tint, especially the caudal and anal fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Cheek and Opercle Scaling

   The most reliable way to distinguish Grass Pickerel from other esocids is by examining the scaling on its head. Both the entire cheek and the entire opercle (gill cover) are fully scaled. In Northern Pike (Esox lucius), the lower half of the opercle is scaleless. In Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), both the lower half of the cheek and opercle are scaleless. In Redfin Pickerel (Esox americanus americanus), both are fully scaled, but the markings differ.

2. 2

   Body Markings

   Grass Pickerel typically exhibit distinct, dark, wavy, vertical bars or vermiculations on their sides, often described as 'worm-like' patterns. These markings extend from the back down to below the lateral line. Redfin Pickerel (E. a. americanus) tend to have more distinct, often reddish, vertical bars that are less vermiculated and more uniform.

3. 3

   Suborbital Bar

   A prominent, dark, vertical bar or 'teardrop' mark is present below the eye, extending downwards. This is a common feature among pickerels.

4. 4

   Size

   Grass Pickerel are generally smaller than other pikes, rarely exceeding 30-35 cm (12-14 inches) in length and 0.5 kg (1 lb) in weight. This can be a helpful, though not definitive, indicator.

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