Skip to main content

Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Northern Pike are non-native predatory fish that were historically introduced to Missouri reservoirs primarily for predator fish management to control carp and gizzard shad populations.

While they are native to the northern Mississippi River basin extending south to Missouri and Nebraska, they exist in limited populations within the state.

Scientific Name: Esox lucius

Physical Characteristics:
  • These torpedo-shaped fish are characterized by their elongated bodies, duck-bill snouts with razor-sharp teeth, and olive green to brown coloration with light yellowish spots.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer cooler, slow-moving waters in lakes, reservoirs, and larger streams with abundant vegetation for cover.
  • In Missouri, pike can be found in some of the state's larger reservoirs and the Missouri River system, though they are not as abundant as in their native northern range.

Key Locations

  • Missouri's larger reservoirs and the Missouri River system.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on weedy areas, shallow bays, drop-offs, and flats in 5-20 feet of water.
  • Pike prefer areas with structure and vegetation where they can ambush prey.

Northern Pike FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Large flashy spoons in red-and-white or silver work exceptionally well, particularly 3-4 inch spoons. Large swimbaits like the Bass Pro ZR9 and Storm 10-inch Kickin Minnow are productive, especially as waters warm in summer. Stick baits in natural pike colors (7-8 inches) work well in cooler water periods.

What flies work for Northern Pike in Missouri?

Large streamers, poppers, and pike-specific patterns like Chip's Northern Magic, Monster Magic, and large baitfish imitations in the 3-12 inch range.

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

Best fishing occurs in late spring through early fall, with late May through early June being prime time as post-spawn pike actively feed to regain condition. During summer months, they move to deeper, cooler waters and become less active in temperatures above 75°F.

How do you catch Northern Pike in Missouri?

Cast over submerged weed beds. Use boat electrofishing techniques if targeting larger specimens. Fish slowly in cooler water, increasing retrieve speed as temperatures rise.

What do Northern Pike eat?

Pike are aggressive ambush predators with an opportunistic diet consisting primarily of fish including yellow perch, chubs, suckers, walleye, and bass, but they will also consume frogs, small mammals, birds, crayfish, and even other pike.

Fish smarter with real-time insights

Whether you're en route and conditions shift or you're looking for the best spot based on current flows, we enable you to make informed decisions on the fly.

See it in the app

Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Northern Pike.

  1. 01 · Species map filter

    Map every Northern Pike water

    Pick Northern Pike and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.

  2. 02 · Waterbody species

    Tap any water. See what lives there.

    Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.

  3. 03 · Angler Intelligence

    Ask how to catch Northern Pike

    Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.

Stop guessing where Northern Pike are.

Open the map, filter by Northern Pike, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.

  • Species map filter
  • Angler Intelligence
  • Fishing journal
Try onWater+ for free

Explore other species

Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.

No species information available.

Missouri licenses and regulations

Explore nearby waters

Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.

onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.