Esox lucius
The northern pike is the apex freshwater predator of the northern hemisphere, an ambush specialist with a torpedo-shaped body, a flat, duck-billed snout filled with hundreds of razor-sharp teeth, and an explosive strike that can generate the most violent topwater takes in freshwater fly fishing. Found across the circumpolar north in lakes, rivers, and marshes from Europe through Siberia and across North America, northern pike are among the most widely distributed freshwater fish on Earth. They are powerful, aggressive fish that readily strike large streamers and topwater patterns, making them outstanding fly rod targets for anglers seeking raw, adrenaline-fueled action. Pike fly fishing is at its best in spring and early summer when large fish move into shallow bays and backwaters to feed after the spawn, providing sight fishing opportunities for fish that can exceed 40 inches in length. The visual thrill of watching a pike follow and attack a streamer is an unforgettable experience.
Order
Esociformes
Family
Esocidae
Genus
Esox
Species
E. lucius
Shallow, weedy bays and backwaters of lakes and slow-moving rivers; marshes, sloughs, and backwater channels with abundant aquatic vegetation for ambush cover
Native Range: Circumpolar distribution across the entire northern hemisphere: North America from Alaska to the eastern seaboard, Europe, and Asia through Siberia
Introduced Range: Southern United States, Spain, Turkey, and various other regions outside the native range; widely distributed through stocking programs
Highly piscivorous, feeding on perch, walleye, suckers, minnows, and other fish; also frogs, mice, muskrats, ducklings, and essentially any animal that fits in its mouth
Northern pike are among the earliest-spawning freshwater fish, moving into flooded marshes and shallow bays immediately after ice-out in March through May. Females scatter eggs over aquatic vegetation in water 6-18 inches deep. No parental care is provided, and eggs hatch in 12-14 days depending on water temperature.
Spawning Months
Spawning Temperature: 40-50°F
The Northern Pike is currently classified as Least Concern (IUCN); one of the most abundant and widely distributed freshwater predators in the world. Responsible catch-and-release practices help protect populations for future generations of anglers.
Pike are ambush predators that position themselves along weed edges, around submerged timber, and in shallow bays where they can attack prey from cover. Cast large streamers parallel to weed lines and retrieve with long, steady strips punctuated by pauses. Wire or heavy fluorocarbon bite tippet is absolutely essential to prevent the pike's teeth from severing your leader.
A 9-foot 8 to 10-weight rod designed for throwing large, wind-resistant flies. Use a wire bite tippet of at least 30 lb and an intermediate or floating line with a pike-specific leader.
Average Size
24-36 inches, 4-12 lbs
World Record
55 lbs 1 oz (Lake of Grefeern, Germany, 1986)
