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Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Northern Pike are not native to Rhode Island but were first introduced in the 1960s and have become a popular freshwater gamefish.

These aggressive carnivorous predators are characterized by their elongated bodies, duck-bill snouts, sharp backward-pointing teeth, and olive-green coloration with light-colored irregular markings.

Scientific Name: Esox lucius

Physical Characteristics:
  • Elongated bodies, duck-bill snouts, sharp backward-pointing teeth, and olive-green coloration with light-colored irregular markings.
  • Pike can be distinguished from chain pickerel by having scales only on the upper half of their gill covers and typically 5 pairs of sensory pores on the underside of their lower jaw.
  • In Rhode Island, pike can grow quite large - the state record was 47.5 inches and weighed 35 pounds, with fish over 10 pounds frequently reported.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Pike prefer shallow, weedy areas in ponds and slow-moving streams with rich submerged vegetation that provides spawning habitat and cover.

Key Locations

  • Worden Pond, Chapman Pond, Johnson's Pond, Stump Pond (also known as Stillwater Reservoir), Waterman Reservoir, Blackstone River near the northern RI/Mass border.

Specific Spots

  • Focus fishing efforts around weed beds, drop-offs, points, and areas with structure near open water.
  • Target shallow, weedy bays and areas with emerging vegetation.

Northern Pike FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Large spoons (Dardevles work well), bright spinnerbaits, inline spinners like Mepps Black Fury sizes 3-5, soft plastics, large swimbaits, jigging spoons, large topwater baits. Live bait such as large shiners, suckers, and smelt are extremely effective.

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

Spring: excellent opportunities as pike move into shallow waters after ice-out, becoming very active and aggressive in the pre-spawn and post-spawn periods when water temperatures reach 40-55°F. Summer: pike seek cooler, deeper waters as temperatures exceed 65°F.

How do you catch Northern Pike in Rhode Island?

Target shallow, weedy bays and areas with emerging vegetation. Focus on weedlines, drop-offs, and deeper structure while trolling or casting. Live shiners suspended under floats near weed edges. Winter ice fishing using tip-ups with live or dead bait and jigging spoons.

What do Northern Pike eat?

Opportunistic predators that feed on a wide variety of prey including fish (yellow perch, white perch, smallmouth bass, smelt, salmon, minnows), small mammals, amphibians, crayfish, leeches, and birds.

Where do Northern Pike live in Rhode Island?

Pike prefer shallow, weedy areas in ponds and slow-moving streams with rich submerged vegetation that provides spawning habitat and cover.

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