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Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Northern Pike in Colorado are non-native predators that have established strong populations in many lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.

These toothy apex predators are considered introduced species, having been stocked since 1882 in various watersheds including the Colorado Headwaters, Arkansas River system, South Platte basins, Yampa River, Gunnison River, and Rio Grande drainages.

Scientific Name: Esox lucius

Physical Characteristics:
  • These toothy apex predators with razor-sharp teeth typically grow to 40+ inches and can push upwards of 30 pounds in Colorado's nutrient-rich waters.
  • Colorado pike are known for their exceptional girth and weight compared to their Midwest counterparts.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Populations distributed across 32 different hydrologic units statewide in various watersheds including the Colorado Headwaters, Arkansas River system, South Platte basins, Yampa River, Gunnison River, and Rio Grande drainages.

Key Locations

  • Major reservoirs including Eleven Mile, Spinney Mountain, Williams Fork, McPhee, Rifle Gap, Jackson Gulch, and Vallecito Lake.
  • Eleven Mile and Spinney Mountain Reservoirs near Lake George are accessible from Denver and Colorado Springs.

Specific Spots

  • Prefer shallow, weedy areas near inlets, bays, and coves where they can hide in vegetation and ambush prey.
  • Prime habitat includes areas with submerged logs, undercut banks, weed beds, and drop-offs.
  • Focus on northern ends of reservoirs near inlets, shallow weedy areas, and edges of weed beds.
  • Target 12-20 foot flats adjacent to spawning bays, and always fish around freshly stocked trout areas.

Northern Pike FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Northern Pike in Colorado?

Spoons (Eppinger Dardevle in 3/4-1 ounce, red/white, black/white, yellow/red patterns), large swimbaits (7-9 inches mimicking baby pike or rainbow trout), in-line spinners (Mepps Aglia Tandem size 5), spinnerbaits (Northland Reed-Runner Magnum), jerkbaits (Rapala X-Rap Magnum), and Johnson Silver Minnow weedless...

What flies work for Northern Pike in Colorado?

Chip's Northern Magic, Monster Magic, Barry's Baitfish 2.0, Poor Man's Whistler, Pike Bunny patterns, Lefty's Deceiver (7-8 inches), and large streamers.

When is the best time to fish for Northern Pike in Colorado?

Peak fishing seasons are late spring (May through June) and early fall (September through October) when water temperatures range from 45-65°F. Avoid fishing during April spawning periods. The most productive times are late May and early June when post-spawn pike aggressively feed to regain weight lost during spawning.

How do you catch Northern Pike in Colorado?

Use trolling, casting, and jigging techniques, keeping lures 6 inches above their strike zone. Early season calls for slow-moving stick baits with subtle action, while summer fishing responds to higher-action swimbaits and chatterbaits.

What do Northern Pike eat?

Feed on fish, frogs, small mammals, birds, crayfish, and essentially anything they can inhale. They have abundant food sources including stocked rainbow trout, yellow perch, and suckers.

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