grass pickerel

The grass pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus) is a small North American fish belonging to the pike family (Esocidae). It is distinguished from larger relatives like the muskellunge and northern pike by its smaller size, fully scaled cheeks and gill covers, and distinctive markings.1

Also known as the little pickerel or mud pickerel, this species typically inhabits quiet, weedy waters, particularly in central North America. The grass pickerel reaches a maximum weight of about 0.5 kg (1.1 pounds). It is one of two subspecies of E. americanus, the other being the redfin pickerel.21