UTERChain pickerel fishing in New Jersey freshwater
In New Jersey freshwater, chain pickerel peak October–April and are around year-round, spawning in March, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Ice pickerel on the Pine Barrens ponds — tip-ups and shiners.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Chain pickerel in New Jersey freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakIce pickerel on the Pine Barrens ponds — tip-ups and shiners.
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchSpawning
- AprilPeak
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish chain pickerel near Round Valley Reservoir, Lake Hopatcong, Delaware River
Round Valley's lake trout, Hopatcong's hybrids and muskie, the Delaware's shad and smallmouth, and the Pine Barrens' pickerel ponds.
What to use for chain pickerel
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–82°F water, best at 50–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch chain pickerel in New Jersey freshwater?
Peak season is October–April, with fish spawning in March (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Chain pickerel are here year-round. January: Ice pickerel on the Pine Barrens ponds — tip-ups and shiners.
Where do chain pickerel hold in New Jersey freshwater?
Look on pond / pit, lake, creek / stream, river — around Round Valley Reservoir, Lake Hopatcong, Delaware River, Spruce Run, Pine Barrens ponds.
What is the best bait for chain pickerel in New Jersey freshwater?
Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for chain pickerel in New Jersey freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJ Fish and Wildlife) and change — read the current rule at https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/licenses-and-permits/.
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All about chain pickerel · New Jersey fresh water, the whole year