Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Pikes and pickerels are a small family (Esocidae) of five species of predatory fishes with slender, elongate bodies and long, sharp teeth. The dorsal and anal fins are far back, the tail is moderately forked, and the mouth is large with the jaws extending forward like the bill of a duck. Esocids live in weedy areas of lakes and streams. Sometimes they can be seen hovering almost motionless near clumps of water plants. The Northern Pike occurs in both North America and Europe. Its large size, enormous appetite, and toothy jaws make it the "shark" of freshwater lakes and streams.

Look For : A large, elongate, greenish pike with creamy white, oval spots on the sides. Cheek and upper half of gill cover scaled.

Length : 4'.

Habitat : Slow-moving, weedy areas in lakes and streams.

Range : Alaska and throughout Canada south to Missouri; New York and Pennsylvania west to Nebraska and Montana.