Find Your Next Spot
Northern pike
Esox luciusLinnaeus, 1758
Identification
A long, torpedo-shaped body with light, bean-shaped spots on a dark green background and a duck-bill-shaped snout full of sharp teeth.
Where It's Found
Cool lakes and slow rivers across the northern U.S. and Canada, typically ambushing prey from weed edges.
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Fishing Notes
A wire leader is essential — pike will bite through monofilament. Large spoons, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits worked erratically trigger vicious strikes.
Scientific Classification▾
Family
Esocidae
Genus
Esox
Order
Salmoniformes
Class
Actinopterygii
Phylum
Chordata
Kingdom
Animalia
Ready to go fishing?
Find a boat ramp near you and check state fishing regulations before you head out.
Photography sourced from Wikimedia Commons contributors.