Photo by Daughter Dad on iNaturalist · CC BY 4.0
Northern pike
Esox lucius
- When
- Jan–Jun — January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November. Earlier in the south, later in the north.
- Where it holds
- Shallow weedy bays in spring and fall; deep weed edges in the heat of summer.
- How to know it
- Long torpedo body, duck-like jaws, light bean-shaped spots on a dark green flank.
- What to know
- Aggressive and abundant. Handle with a jaw grip and long pliers — the teeth are serious.
- The tactic
- Large spoon, spinnerbait or a suspended jerkbait over weed tops.
- Caution
- Use a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader, and cradle big fish horizontally.
Seasons, size limits and catch limits change every year and differ by water body. Check the current regulations for your province or state before you fish.
Found in these regions
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