Summer-In mesotrophic lakes and ponds, summer separates midgets from monsters. By early June, about the same time aquatic weeds break the surface, they're going strong, striking viciously at various baits and lures, sometimes making a nuisance of themselves to anglers focusing on trout, bass, or pike. As water temperatures rise into the high 50F range and low 60s, however, chain pickerel reappear in shallow weeds. Perhaps they slip into postspawn lethargy. Where they hide from late March through mid-April is a mystery even pickerel experts like Aziz haven't solved.
Spring-Chain pickerel are toughest to catch just after ice-out. Even when spawning is completed, according to Aziz, huge chains remain near the same areas for weeks. Big egg-bearing females weighing 4, 5, and 6 pounds, are in a pre-prespawn mood. At that time, pickerel move into two or three feet of water in weedy areas to prepare for spawning. Roger Aziz Jr., master angler from Methuen, Massachusetts, favors February for the best chance at a trophy pickerel beneath crystal cover.
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