A popular game fish, the northern pike has host of colorful nicknames: slough shark, water wolf, hammer handler, and even “northacuda.” These monikers all nod to the fish’s aggressive, predatory nature, which is part of the reason why anglers enjoy targeting it.
Pike are found in bodies of water that are well oxygenated but not too acidic. A mostly freshwater species with a penchant for areas with plenty of vegetation, they inhabit rivers, streams, shallow areas of lakes, and sometimes even brackish tidal estuaries across the Northern United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Northern Europe.
Besides their aggression, pike are also notable for the immense sizes they can attain, especially in Europe. They can grow over three feet in length and may take up to 25 years to reach maturity. Pike weighing more than 50lb are occasionally landed in Europe, particularly in areas with more consistent winter weather conditions where they can maintain winter feeding. The largest authenticated pike was caught at Grarup Lake in Denmark and weighed in at a colossal 58lb 6oz.
Appearance and Behavior
A long, slender fish with a narrow, tapered head, the pike has a flattened snout and large eyes. The species is best known for its large mouth packed with razor-sharp teeth and characteristic olive-green flesh with spots of ivory.
The pike is a predatory fish in both nature and appearance. Hiding in underwater vegetation, they lurk in lakes and slow-flowing streams and rivers, bursting out with remarkable speed to catch fish, frogs, and even ducklings and small mammals. Young pike, known as jack, feast predominantly on invertebrates and small fish, while adult pike have been known to take prey up to half their own body weight.
The fins on the pike are located toward the back of their body. When they whip their tail, this provides explosive power, enabling them to ambush prey such as longnose suckers or juvenile salmon from the cover of a submerged log or bed of weeds. Pike return to the same place to spawn between March and May every year, with a large female producing anywhere up to 500,000 eggs.
Pike can make a delicious meal. With its flaky white meat and mild taste, the species is a healthy protein source that’s easy to eat. A 24-inch specimen can yield five good fillets.
Fishing for Pike
For those who have never fished for pike before, it will be necessary to invest in some basic equipment. Carp fishers may find that much of their equipment will come in handy when pike fishing too, particularly rods, reels, landing nets, and unhooking mats. Nevertheless, anglers also need some special tools to unhook the pike safely from the line.
Lure fishing is a popular method of fishing for pike, particularly for beginners, since it is one of the easiest methods and requires less equipment. Recommended lures include spoon, spinner, minnow spoon, swimbait, and jerkbait designs—as predators, pike are attracted to big, attention-grabbing lures. Anglers will also need an unhooking mat large enough to accommodate the pike, as well as short forceps, long forceps, and pliers capable of cutting thin metal. All of this should be packed in a small bag that can be easily transported while on the move and exploring promising spots around a lake or river. In addition, a large landing net is also essential.
Fly fishing for pike has become an increasingly popular method of fishing for this species because it offers a fun, exciting fight with a chance of landing a trophy fish that also tastes good. Most fly-fishers who turn their attention to pike come from a trout fishing background, while others are more experienced with muskies. While the casting may be similar, the tackle and leader setup for pike are a bit different than that for trout.
The pike fishing season generally runs between October and March. When most other anglers are hanging up their rods for the season, pike fishers get to work. A cold-blooded species, the pike slows its metabolism as the water temperature falls and becomes less active. Nevertheless, on a cold winter’s day, pike are often the only species to bite. For this reason, they’re a popular ice fishing target.
After spawning in spring followed by a summer of feeding, the pike has regained its condition and strength, making it fit and healthy by fall. Pike fishers typically have their best sport before the cold sets in. An ambush predator, a pike will hang motionless in the water, as if holding its breath and fixing its gaze on the target. In a split second, this powerful creature will burst into action, snatching and swallowing its prey whole.
Safety
Pike fishers need to be mindful not only of the species’ ferocious teeth, but also their gills. When preparing the fish to eat, it is important to avoid putting your fingers under the gill covering, since the gills are sharp.
Rivers and lakes can be dangerous places, particularly in winter, when the banks are slippery and the water is icy. Always keep safety in mind: check local weather updates, wear the right clothes, and pack a first aid kit. Either fish with a companion or tell someone where and when you’ll be fishing by yourself.