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Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Northern Pike are not native to Delaware waters but have been historically reported as a non-indigenous species in the state. Records show pike occurrences in Delaware from 1888 to 1981 in the Brandywine-Christina and Upper Chesapeake hydrologic units.

Scientific Name: Esox lucius

Physical Characteristics:
  • These aggressive apex predators are carnivorous fish with elongated bodies, sharp backward-pointing teeth, and distinctive light markings on dark backgrounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Pike prefer sluggish streams, shallow weedy areas in lakes and reservoirs, and areas with rich submerged vegetation that provides cover for both hunting and spawning.

Key Locations

  • Delaware River, Brandywine-Christina and Upper Chesapeake hydrologic units.

Specific Spots

  • They typically inhabit waters 1-5 feet deep but can be found as deep as 100 feet.
  • Target vegetation, creek mouths, and warming bays in spring.
  • In summer, target weedlines, cabbage beds, and deeper structure.

Northern Pike FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective conventional lures include spoons (especially Eppinger Dardevles), inline spinners with vibrating blades, soft plastic swimbaits in chartreuse/red/yellow/white, and large spinnerbaits.

What flies work for Northern Pike in Delaware?

Top fly patterns include Chip's Northern Magic and Monster Magic (proven patterns for large pike), Barry's Baitfish 2.0, Poor Man's Whistler for deeper presentations, Pike Bunny for bottom fishing, SeaDucers for neutral buoyancy, and Lefty's Deceivers in various sizes.

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

Open year-round on the Delaware River. The best fishing occurs during spring post-spawn periods when water temperatures are 50-55°F, and again in fall when pike move back to shallow areas to feed before winter.

How do you catch Northern Pike in Delaware?

Work lures slowly in spring through 1-5 feet of water around vegetation, creek mouths, and warming bays. In summer, target weedlines, cabbage beds, and deeper structure. Retrieve flies and lures aggressively - pike are faster than any artificial and respond well to water disruption.

What do Northern Pike eat?

Pike are opportunistic feeders that primarily consume fish, but will also take frogs, small mammals, birds, insects, crayfish, and leeches.

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