Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Grass Pickerel

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Native Range: Florida and Gulf Slope drainages west to the Brazos River, Texas; northward in the Mississippi drainage (eastern Texas and Oklahoma, southern and eastern Missouri, the eastern board of Iowa, and southeastern Wisconsin) to the Great Lakes (southern Michigan, north shore of lakes Erie and Ontario) (Crossman 1978). Remnant populatoins in Nebraska likely refect a once, much larger westward range (Crossman 1978). Individuals in the southeastern part of the range are intergrades with E. a. americanus (Crossman 1978; Lee et al. 1980).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Native range data for this species provided in part by NatureServe

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: This species was stocked intentionally and possibly accidentally; it was stocked illegally in Oregon.  Probably introduced inot Washington as misidentified northern pike E. lucius (Chapman 1942); it is also possible that grass pickerel were introduced into Idaho along with northern pike, and that the former species reached Washington by "some devious means" (Wydoski and Whitney 1979).  Introduced into northern Wisconsin in the 1940s (Crossman 1978).

Status: Extirpated in California; established in Colorado, Washington, and Wisconsin; unknown in Oregon.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: This species is sometimes mistaken for the young of other Esox species. 

Other Resources:

Author: Fuller, P.

Peer Review Date: 3/4/2015

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.