Northern Pike

The Northern Pike, esox lucius, is a member of the Pike family. Other members are Pickerel, Redfin Pickerel, and the Muskellunge (Muskie). The Pike was illegally introduced in the 1970's in Northern Idaho lake waters. The Northern Pike is a vicious predator and will eat anything that moves, including fish, mice, crustaceans, insects, small ducks, frogs, crayfish, and carrion.

The sides of the Pikes head and body are covered with pale, elongated spots or blotches on a background of dark green. Dark markings generally are found on the fins and tail. The average length is 20 to 30 inches. The average weight is 15 to 20 pounds.

The Pike prefers water temps in the 60 to 70 degree range. They like shallow areas with weed growth and points in lakes. They spawn in the spring.

Fishing Techniques for Northern Pike

Pikes will attack about anything that looks like food. Fishing from a boat and casting toward shore into weed beds and points works well. The Pike prefers to eat one large item rather than three small ones so large baits and lures are often used. Anglers use spoons such as a red and white daredevils, or gold and fluorescent spoons up to 4 inches long. Spinners like Mepps with a bucktail dressing also work. Plugs that imitate minnows, crankbaits, and jerkbaits all work well. Live or dead minnows or smelt are effective. Some fishermen use a wire leader. These fish have a lot of very sharp teeth. They can regrow teeth if they lose any.

Pike have poor night vision, so they feed in the day time.

The Idaho record is 38lbs. 9 oz. caught by Dennis Hicks from Lake Coeur d' Lane in 1992. This fish was 49 inches long! Then the record was tied in 2002 with a fish from Hayden Lake by Walter Estes with a smelt for bait.