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Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Northern Pike in Pennsylvania are impressive predatory fish that are aggressive ambush predators that hunt by sight during daylight hours.

Scientific Name: Esox lucius

Physical Characteristics:
  • Northern Pike have elongated, cylindrical bodies and distinctive 'duck-bill' snouts filled with sharp teeth.
  • They display dark yellow-green or gray-green backs with whitish undersides, marked by lateral rows of whitish or yellowish bean-shaped spots.
  • Pike in Pennsylvania can reach 20+ pounds and 40+ inches, with the state record exceeding 33 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Originally native only to the Ohio River, Allegheny River, and Monongahela River drainages, plus Lake Erie (particularly weedy Presque Isle Bay), their range has been expanded through stocking programs to lakes and reservoirs throughout Pennsylvania.

Key Locations

  • Prime waters include Presque Isle Bay, the Susquehanna River system, Allegheny River, and various stocked reservoirs throughout the state.

Specific Spots

  • Target shallow, vegetated areas near weed lines, submerged logs, undercut banks, and drop-offs.

Northern Pike FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Use spoons (1/4 to 1 ounce in gold/silver and local fish colors), spinners, stick baits, crankbaits, and soft plastic swimbaits in chartreuse, red, yellow, and white.

What flies work for Northern Pike in Pennsylvania?

Effective patterns include Chip's Northern Magic, Monster Magic, Barry's Baitfish 2.0, Poor Man's Whistler, Pike Bunny, Bulkhead, and Lefty's Deceiver on size 0 to 6/0 hooks.

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

The most productive Northern Pike fishing in Pennsylvania occurs during spring and fall, with the highest catch rates happening in late winter or just after ice-out on large reservoirs. Summer fishing tends to be slower due to heat, while spring and fall consistently yield the best results.

How do you catch Northern Pike in Pennsylvania?

Winter ice fishing with large live baits can be highly effective. Strip-set hooks instead of lifting the rod tip, and retrieve flies completely to the rod tip as pike often follow before striking.

What do Northern Pike eat?

They feed on fish, frogs, birds, small mammals, crayfish, and large aquatic insects. Young pike initially eat aquatic invertebrates until reaching 2 inches, then switch to fish for life.

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Pennsylvania licenses and regulations

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