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Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Northern Pike are an invasive species in Maine, first illegally introduced to the Belgrade Chain of Lakes in the 1970s. They are not native to Maine or New England (except Lake Champlain in Vermont). These aggressive predators are opportunistic carnivores.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Easily recognized by their elongated snout, large yellow eyes, and mouth full of sharp teeth.
  • Adults display conspicuous black fin markings against a yellow-green to orange-red background, while juveniles show long, wavy vertical markings that transition to bean-shaped spots as they mature.
  • Pike can be distinguished from chain pickerel by having 5 pairs of sensory pores on the lower jaw (vs 4 for pickerel) and scales only on the upper half of the gill cover.
  • In Maine waters, pike can exceed 31 pounds and live over 15 years.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit shallow, weedy areas of nutrient-rich lakes and slow-moving rivers, generally staying in water less than 30 feet deep.

Key Locations

  • Belgrade Chain of Lakes, Sabattus Pond, Androscoggin River, and various waters in the Kennebec watershed.
  • Northern pike are confirmed in 39 lakes and ponds across central and southern regions, primarily in the Androscoggin, Kennebec, and Penobscot river watersheds within Sagadahoc, Androscoggin, Kennebec, and Oxford counties.

Specific Spots

  • Shallow, weedy areas, weed lines and structure areas.
  • In late summer target deeper water, while fall brings fish back to shallow areas.

Northern Pike FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Large spoons (particularly effective in cold water), spinner baits, stick baits, larger golden shiners or smaller common suckers fished dead or alive.

What flies work for Northern Pike in Maine?

Large streamers 3-12 inches long in flashy colors, surface plugs with water-shedding feathers, and mouse imitations.

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

Winter through the ice with March being particularly productive. Spring and early summer are productive. Late summer fishing is most effective in deeper water, while fall brings fish back to shallow areas.

How do you catch Northern Pike in Maine?

For ice fishing, use larger golden shiners or smaller common suckers fished dead or alive. Spring and early summer fishing weed lines and structure areas by trolling and casting. Fast retrieves and erratic action are effective.

What do Northern Pike eat?

Their Maine diet consists primarily of white perch, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, smelt, landlocked salmon, and minnow species. They prefer prey between 1/3 to 1/2 their body length.

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