Grass Pickerel

 

Photo by Matthew R. Thomas

Identification

An elongate fish with a duck-like snout and large mouth with sharp canine teeth. The dorsal fin is far back on the body. Color is dark olive on the back with dark green to brown wavy bars along the side, and a black vertical stripe below the eye. Adults grow to 15 in. (about 1 lb.).

Distribution and Habitat

Common in the western half of the state, but also occasionally encountered in the eastern half. Grass Pickerel inhabit primarily sluggish streams and densely vegetated sloughs, ditches, ponds, and lakes.