Northern Pike

Esox lucius

A toothy ambush hunter that lurks in the weeds.

Illustration: Timothy Knepp / USFWS (public domain)

01 · At a glance

Typical Size & Weight

Length

—

Weight

2–5 lb

Source

Active Seasons

Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

Catchable

Catchable year-round, including through the ice

Spawns in early spring in marshes and shallow edges. Weed beds hold pike when water is cool (late spring, early fall, early ice); in warm water, fish the cool depths. MDC WI DNR

Habitat & Distribution

Water types

Lakes and reservoirs Source
Large streams Source
Borrow pits and drainage ditches Source

Structure & cover

Dense aquatic vegetation Source
Weed beds and stumps in shallow water Source

Avoids strong current. Source

Basic info

Duckbill-shaped snout, many sharp teeth, and rows of light yellow spots on a green or blue-gray body. Source
Missouri is at the southern edge of its range; more common up north. Source

Feeding Habits

Eats mainly other fish, darting out from cover to grab prey. Source
A daytime feeder with a special fondness for 4–15 in suckers and yellow perch. Source

Recommended Tactics & Lures

Spoons and larger plugs, cast or trolled around weed beds and stumps. Source
Live suckers or chubs (up to 8 in) under a sturdy bobber; tip-ups in winter. Source
Use a steel leader — pike teeth easily cut line. Source

Seasons and rules vary by state. Always check your state's current fishing regulations on our Fishing by State page. Last checked: Oct 30, 2026.

🏆 Trophy fact: Missouri’s field guide says northern pike can grow to more than 4 feet and 40 pounds. Source