It is very tolerant of low oxygen conditions and can live in brackish waters, as well. Because redfin pickerel are small and similar to chain pickerel, anglers generally do not recognize these fish when hooked. A subspecies of redfin pickerel, grass pickerel have a very spotty distribution in New York State. Grass pickerel are often mistaken for young northern pike, but can be distinguished by their fully scaled cheeks and gill covers. Like other pickerel, grass pickerel have eight sensory pores on the underside of the lower jaw and a distinct dark bar beneath each eye.
Grass pickerel prefer heavily vegetated areas of slow-moving streams, lakes, and ponds.
They spawn at approximately the same time of year as redfins, usually in March or April. Spawning occurs in upstream sections of flooded streams and marshes where vegetation is plentiful. Like redfin, grass pickerel are of little interest to New York State anglers. Northern Pike Northern pike are among the State's most important sportfish. They are relatively easy to catch, can grow to over 40 pounds, and put up a good fight when hooked.