Sometimes called "Water Wolf", the Northern Pike is one of the finest game-fish in the northern hemisphere. They are a sleek, fast, predatory fish that can grow to be about 50lbs and nearly 6ft in length.
Northern Pike are found usually in weeded areas of lakes and slow moving streams. Also found in cold waters in northern regions, typically rocky areas. They are ambush predators, typically waiting in one location for prey to move near, then darting to catch it before it has time to react. This fact makes them very hard hitters. There is not much a Pike will not attempt to eat. Frogs, fish, ducklings, and even other pike are all on their menu.
Jerk baits, lures, live bait all work well with this fish. The author of this section even caught one using a homemade lure that was nothing more than a homemade "fly" created using a golden hook, yellow yarn, and some red sewing thread.
Final note - this fish has very sharp teeth and should be handle with great care so as not to harm the fisherman. Also, despite its formidable appearance it is a highly delicate fish, easily damaged. If practicing catch and release, take extra care not the harm the fish during release.
Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
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