WDFW lists Grass Pickerel in Sprague Lake.
Grass Pickerel
Esox americanus vermiculatus
Grass Pickerel occurs in FishyNW waters across the Inland Northwest. This page only shows sections that are relevant to this species and supported by FishyNW data. Presence does not guarantee abundance, legal harvest, or an open season, so verify current rules for the exact water before fishing.
StatusIntroduced
FishyNW statesWA
Linked locations5
Guide updated2026-08-25
Use photos together with current agency identification guidance. Color varies with age, sex, season, water clarity, and spawning condition.
FishyNW species intelligence
Biology, life history and population context
A small introduced pike relative with localized Washington populations. Unlike Northern Pike or Tiger Muskellunge, Grass Pickerel rarely become large sport fish; their FishyNW value is mostly identification, invasive/non-native context and verified water linkage.
Biology and life history
- Ambush predator strongly associated with shallow vegetation, marshy margins, sloughs and slow water.
- Diet consists largely of small fish, aquatic insects and crustaceans; dense vegetation provides both feeding cover and refuge.
- Spawning occurs in shallow vegetated habitat during cool spring conditions, with adhesive eggs scattered over vegetation.
- Localized Washington populations are outside the species' native range and should not be moved between waters.
Population and water-linkage types
Introduced Washington populationShallow vegetated lake populationSlough/backwater population
Notable FishyNW water relationships
WDFW lists Grass Pickerel in Cow Lake, Adams County.
WDFW lists Grass Pickerel in Box Canyon Reservoir.
These eastern Washington waters are included on WDFW's current Grass Pickerel page.
Fishing tactics
How to catch this fish
Feeding clues
They eat minnows, young fish, insects, crayfish, and amphibians. Short bursts from cover are more typical than long chases.
Practical approach
- Make short accurate casts to holes in cover.
- Use a short bite-resistant leader when necessary.
- Pause beside weed edges because strikes often come from concealment.
Baits and lures
Small spoonInline spinnerCompact jerkbaitSmall swimbaitSpinnerbaitMinnow imitation
Common mistakes
- Expecting northern-pike size or open-water behavior.
- Fishing too fast over dense cover.
- Handling without pliers.
- Confusing grass pickerel with juvenile northern pike.
Boat, kayak, and bank notes
- Boat: use shallow draft and avoid damaging vegetation.
- Kayak: well suited to protected backwaters.
- Bank: fish reachable weed openings and quiet margins.
Tools source reference: view source. Identification and distribution reference checked against WDFW Grass Pickerel information
Identification and status
Localized introduced populations occur in Washington. Verify current water-specific regulations and invasive-species requirements before transport or harvest.
Lake and reservoir linkages for Grass Pickerel
Showing regional matches. Location stays on this device and is not stored.
Bonnie LakeWashingtonDocumented occurrenceCow Lake — Adams CountyWashingtonDocumented occurrenceEloika LakeWashingtonVerified WDFW occurrenceWDFW lists Grass Pickerel in Eloika Lake.Rock LakeWashingtonDocumented occurrenceSprague LakeWashingtonVerified WDFW occurrenceWDFW lists Grass Pickerel in Sprague Lake.
Official species references
Seasons, harvest rules, bait restrictions, protected-species requirements, and emergency closures can change. Confirm the rules for the exact lake or river reach before fishing.