During July, August, and September, target trophy-size pickerel with three techniques: (1) trolling spoons, in-line spinners, shallow-running crankbaits, or stickbaits fished on leadcore line or off a downrigger 12 to 15 feet down along deep weededges (2) flatlining deep-diving crankbaits or (3) casting lures heavy enough to stay within the strike zone of deep-holding pickerel. The principal cool-water habitat is deep outside weedlines, the same edges that hold big largemouth bass. But to do so, you'll have to turn your back on the shallows. If you want a wall-mount chain pickerel, summer's the time to collect one. Heavy chains are fish of cool environs and deep structure. Larger chains-supersized specimens surpassing 4 pounds-are in deeper water. They are typically under two pounds, the size most anglers encounter. Small chain pickerel remain in shallow water, holding around lily pad beds or clinging to grass or reeds along shorelines. 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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