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Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Northern Pike are not native to New Jersey but have been successfully established through an aggressive stocking program by the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries since the 1980s.

These torpedo-shaped predators are the largest of the esocid family found in the Garden State.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Northern Pike are distinguished by their elongated snout, large mouth full of sharp teeth, olive green coloration with light spots, and can reach lengths up to 4.5 feet and weights exceeding 60 pounds.
  • The current state record weighing 30 pounds, 8.5 ounces from Pompton Lake in 2009.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit clear, vegetated lakes, quiet pools, and backwaters of creeks and rivers, preferring cooler waters with abundant submerged vegetation.

Key Locations

  • Pike are currently stocked in six primary waters: Passaic River, Pompton River, Budd Lake, Farrington Lake, Pompton Lake, and Spruce Run Reservoir, with surplus fish occasionally stocked in Deal Lake and Cranberry Lake.
  • The Passaic River offers the best opportunities, with over 25 stocking locations from Lower Chatham Bridge to Pennington Park in Paterson.
  • Spruce Run Reservoir produces pike in the lower teen weights, particularly around the five feeder stream mouths, especially the Spruce Run Creek entrance.
  • Pompton Lake and Budd Lake consistently produce trophy-class fish.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on weed lines, drop-offs, submerged logs, undercut banks, and structure near deeper water.

Northern Pike FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Popular lures include white or chartreuse spinnerbaits with willow blades (1/2 to 3/4 ounce), large spinners, jigs, and soft plastic swim-baits. Live bait - shiners, suckers, or trout under an inline circle hook with a float.

What flies work for Northern Pike in New Jersey?

Large streamers like Chip's Northern Magic, Monster Magic, Barry's Baitfish 2.0, Poor Man's Whistler, SeaDucer, Lefty's Deceiver, and topwater Bangers.

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

Northern Pike can be caught year-round in New Jersey. Peak fishing occurs in late autumn through winter and again in March-April when pike become more aggressive. Pike hold in shallow, vegetated areas during spring and fall, moving to deeper, cooler water in summer heat.

How do you catch Northern Pike in New Jersey?

During late fall and winter, slow your retrieve or use live bait - shiners, suckers, or trout under an inline circle hook with a float.

What do Northern Pike eat?

Pike are opportunistic ambush predators with a carnivorous diet consisting primarily of fish (especially white suckers, golden shiners, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and smelt), but they also consume invertebrates, amphibians, small mammals, birds, and even other pike.

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