Northern Pike
Duckbill snout, rear-set fins, and pale bean-shaped spots identify the pike waiting almost motionless beside cover.
Artwork inspired by Walter Piehl Jr.
Northern pike are built for a short violent acceleration rather than constant pursuit. Dorsal and anal fins sit far back near the tail, the long snout carries many rear-pointing teeth, and light spots break up the olive body among weeds. They eat fish but also take frogs, crayfish, and occasional small birds or mammals.
North Dakota’s shallow prairie waters can produce abundant pike, especially where flooded vegetation creates nursery habitat. An angler should know where the gill covers and teeth are before unhooking one; long pliers, a supported horizontal hold, and minimal air exposure protect both fish and hands.
- Body
- Long with fins set near the tail
- Pattern
- Light spots on darker green
- North Dakota link
- Official state fish
Quick guide
- Scan the weeds
- A stationary pike may appear only when the jaw or eye moves.
- Separate from muskie
- Pike show light spots on a darker field.
Recognize and observe
- Scan the weeds
- A stationary pike may appear only when the jaw or eye moves.
- Separate from muskie
- Pike show light spots on a darker field.
- Prepare tools first
- Use long pliers and control the fish before reaching near the mouth.
- Support horizontally
- Never hang a large pike by the jaw alone.
Good to know
Northern pike are native and valued in much of their range but invasive where introduced outside it. Management advice is therefore strongly local.
Notice these
- Long with fins set near the tail
- Light spots on darker green
- Official state fish