Pike

Chain Pickerel Fishing in New York

The smallest pike of Eastern waters, ambushing prey from weedy cover in ponds, lakes, and slow rivers along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Pickerel bite year round, even under the ice, and hit minnows, spoons, spinners, and streamers.

Waters: 1
State: New York
Water: Freshwater
Methods: Fly, Spin & Bait

Prime Months in New York: No Agency Season Found

Spawning in New York: Apr to May, per NY DEC (when the fish spawn, not a fishing season)

What to Use for Chain Pickerel

Fishing In

Chain Pickerel

No agency season found

Fly

8.5 to 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 12 lb leader with a short wire or heavy bite tippet. Baitfish streamers.

Rod, Reel and Line

RodOrvis Clearwater 9 ft 6 wt Fly RodCheck Price
ReelRedington Behemoth Fly Reel · for 6 or 7 weightCheck Price
LineScientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line · 6 or 7 wt.Check Price

Tie On in November

No flies listed for this fish here yet.

Spin / Cast

6.5 to 7 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 to 10 lb line with a steel or heavy mono leader.

Rod, Reel and Line

RodUgly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod · 6 ft 6 in medium, 6 to 15 lbCheck Price
ReelPflueger Trion Spinning Reel · size 30Check Price
LineBerkley Trilene XL Monofilament · 8 or 10 lbCheck Price

Tie On in November

Lure for November · 1/4 to 1/2 ozSpinnerbaitSee Options
Lure for November · 1.5 to 4.75 inJerkbaitSee Options
Lure for November · 1/16 to 1/4 ozInline SpinnerSee Options

Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.

Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a New York fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation