The chain pickerel is named for its pattern of chain-like markings along the flanks of the fish. The species is a member of the pike family and relative of the muskellunge. Other distinctive markings include a black bar beneath its eye. It can be distinguished from grass pickerel by its chain pattern as the smaller grass pickerel exhibits dark vertical bars and rarely exceeds 10 inches. Like other pike species, chain pickerel prefer quiet areas of aquatic vegetation or other cover where they lie in wait to ambush unsuspecting prey.

Northern pike have a torpedo body shape, single dorsal fin and a pattern of light colored spots on darker body. Pike lurk in the vegetation in the clear, shallow, warm waters near shore, although they may move to somewhat deeper areas during periods of high water temperatures. The prey of pike is varied. It consists of about 90 percent fish although they also take frogs, crayfish, waterfowl, rodents, and other small mammals. Their preferred food size is much larger than most other freshwater fish species.

The muskellunge is the largest member of the pike family. Muskies have a long cylindrical body and intimidating appearance. The jaws are shaped like a duck's bill, with a mouth armed with fang-like teeth. The muskellunge is an efficient predator, lurking in plants, around submerged logs or other cover, waiting to strike unsuspecting prey. Muskies eat perch, suckers, catfish, minnows, sunfishes and other fish. Like northern pike, Large muskies are known to consume a variety of animals, including, amphibians, waterfowl and rodents. The average muskellunge is 28-48 inches in length, weighing 5-25 pounds, although trophy fish have been reported to reach 100 pounds and exceed 5 feet in length.

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