SlotGaugeCheck a catchChain Pickerel regulations in New Jersey
· Freshwater · 2026 season
Chain Pickerel size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey fresh waters (statewide; special waters differ) | Open year-round | 15 inch minimum | 5 per person per day |
Notes
- A 2026-10-31 check against the official source found a discrepancy in this species' size and aliases. Read the official wording before keeping the fish: https://www.eregulations.com/newjersey/fishing/freshwater/delaware-river
Exact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife wording
- Season
- Open year-round
- Size
- 15 inches
- Limit
- 5 combined (chain and redfin)
- Inland waters — as printed
- “Chain Pickerel: Open year-round Statewide 15 inches 5 combined”
Source: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the chain pickerel
Species of freshwater fish
The chain pickerel, also known as Jackfish, Mud Pike, or Southern Pike is a species of freshwater fish in the pike family of order Esociformes. The chain pickerel and the American pickerel belong to the Esox genus of pike.
Read more about Chain pickerel on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, not Wikipedia.
All 62 New Jersey species A–Z →
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Chain Pickerel in New Jersey?
15 inch minimum in New Jersey state waters.
How many Chain Pickerel can you keep per day in New Jersey?
5 per person per day.
When is Chain Pickerel season in New Jersey?
Open year-round.
Is my Chain Pickerel a keeper today?
A chain pickerel is a keeper today if it measures at least 15 inches, with a daily limit of 5.