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Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Northern Pike are not native to Nevada waters but have been introduced to several locations throughout the state, where they are now considered an invasive species. These aggressive predators are opportunistic carnivorous feeders with voracious appetites.

They are ambush predators that use vegetation and structure to hide and strike prey up to a third of their body size.

Scientific Name: Esox lucius

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in Nevada's lakes and reservoirs.
  • In Nevada, pike inhabit freshwater environments and can be found in waters up to 100 feet deep, preferring clear, vegetated lakes, quiet pools, and backwaters of creeks and rivers.

Key Locations

  • Comins Lake, South Fork Reservoir, Wildhorse Reservoir, and waters within the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Specific Spots

  • Vegetation areas, weed lines, rocky points, and concealing structure where pike ambush prey.
  • In spring target shallow vegetated areas, summer focus on deeper, cooler waters, fall target areas near rocks and vegetation.

Northern Pike FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spoons (Daredevils, Williams Wablers, Johnson Silver Minnows), inline bucktail spinners like Buchertails, 1/2-3/4oz spinnerbaits, Rapala Husky Jerks, 5-inch plastic swimbaits, 8-inch Reapers with appropriate jig heads, spoons, spinners, crankbaits.

What flies work for Northern Pike in Nevada?

4-8 inch subsurface streamer patterns including Whistlers, Game Changers, Tsunamis, and Deceivers, along with mouse, frog, or popper patterns for topwater action. Fly patterns should be flashy and range from 6-14 inches.

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

The best times to fish for northern pike in Nevada are during spring as ice melts and pike move to shallow areas preparing for spawn, and throughout fall when they follow baitfish and use both shallow and deep water. In spring, use slower presentations in shallow vegetated areas.

How do you catch Northern Pike in Nevada?

Trolling and casting are the most productive methods, with trolling helping locate productive casting spots. In spring, use slower presentations with jerkbaits and soft plastic paddletails. Summer fishing uses faster presentations. Fall tactics include jerkbaits, crankbaits, and larger plastics.

What do Northern Pike eat?

Consuming fish (including other pike), invertebrates, amphibians, snakes, small mammals like mice and voles, and even waterfowl.

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