Pickerel

[Moose21]

I have seen a few small grass pickerel here while trout fishing before. Where and how is the best way to target them? 

[Johnsfolly]

4 hours ago, Moose21 said:

I have seen a few small grass pickerel here while trout fishing before. Where and how is the best way to target them? 

I caught them at crane with a 1/64 white Marabou jigs and a 1/16 oz white rooster tail inline spinner. Hope that gives you another option. Good luck.

[FishnDave]

I agree with John that small jigs would work, and small streamers.  Grass Pickerel are small fish, so size the lure/fly accordingly.  One tip I can offer is that Pickerel often seem to enjoy a very erratic (jerky) retrieve.  It seems to trigger them.

[Moose21]

I went yesterday and didn't so much and see one. On the bright side the trout were really biting well. 

[Gavin]

A small shallow runner like a Manns 1- over the slack water weeds.  Red ear sunfish type colors. That is pickeral candy. 

[tangledup]

On 9/9/2024 at 9:52 AM, Gavin said:

A small shallow runner like a Manns 1- over the slack water weeds.  Red ear sunfish type colors. That is pickeral candy. 

I've never caught a pickeral on Crane, but on the 11 Point I had great luck catching them by running my lure right down the side of the grass like you're talking about. I bet this would work on Crane too.