Females become sexually mature at age three or four years, and males at two to three years. As a result of their eating habits, young pike grow rapidly in both length and weight. Pike in the Great Lakes region spawn in the shallows in April or May, right after the ice leaves, and before muskies reproduce. As with muskies, pike lurk in the cover of vegetation in the lake's clear, shallow, warm waters near shore, although they retreat somewhat deeper in midsummer. As predators, northern pike can have significant impact on their prey species. Their preferred forage fish are yellow perch, sunfishes, minnows and suckers.
Pike consume large numbers of smaller fish - about 90 percent of their diet - but seem willing to supplement their diet with any living creature their huge jaws can surround, including frogs, crayfish, waterfowl, rodents and other small mammals. Review Fishing Guide for current rules and regulations » Diet: Pike are a prime target of spear fishermen as well, who often use decoys or suspend suckers below their shanties to lure pike within range in relatively shallow water. Though they are primarily pursued with tip ups, baited with live minnows or suckers, they can be taken with rod and reel, either jigging or fishing with bait. Pike are popular quarry of ice fishermen. Because of the pike's sharp teeth, many anglers recommend the use of wire leaders. Large diving or topwater plugs, spoons - the red and white Dardevle is a classic - and spinners all produce. Pike can be taken on live bait (primarily large minnows) and all manner of artificial lures, either by trolling or casting. Since their skin has heavy pigmentation and an unappetizing mucous coating, most people skin them or scale them carefully. Northern pike flesh excels in flavor, thus making them a doubly rewarding game fish. In rivers, they are often found around log jams or fallen timber. Fishing:Ĭommonly associated with the weedy shallows of both the Great Lakes and inland waters. The northern pike is a member of the Pike family (Esocidae), with its cousins the muskellunge and grass pickerel. (Native fish) Single dorsal fin, light colored spots on darker body, upper half of gill cover and entire cheek has scales, and five to six submandibular pores (underside of lower jaw). Esox Lucius - scientific name Identification:
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