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Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Northern Pike are not native to Tennessee but have been introduced to several waters in the state as non-indigenous species. According to Tennessee's Angler's Guide, Northern Pike are listed among the aquatic nuisance species present in Tennessee waters.

These ambush predators are voracious carnivores.

Scientific Name: Esox lucius

Physical Characteristics:
  • These ambush predators have elongated, torpedo-shaped bodies with light markings on dark backgrounds, sharp needle-like teeth, and fewer than six sensory pores on the underside of each jaw.
  • They typically reach lengths of 40-55 cm (16-22 inches) on average, though can grow much larger up to 150 cm (59 inches) and weights up to 28.4 kg (63 pounds).

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Pike inhabit sluggish streams, shallow weedy areas in lakes and reservoirs, and cold, clear rocky waters where they can ambush prey from cover.

Key Locations

  • In Tennessee waters like Piney River, Northern Pike coexist with species like smallmouth bass, bluegill, and striped bass.

Specific Spots

  • Target structure like weed beds, weed edges, rocky points, drop-offs, laydowns, docks, and areas where creeks enter main water bodies.
  • They typically spawn in shallow, vegetated areas with flooded marshes or tributary streams.

Northern Pike FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Essential lures include spoons like Eppinger Dardevles and Johnson Silver Minnows, large spinnerbaits (1/2-3/4 oz), inline bucktail spinners, large swim jigs, paddle tail swimbaits, crankbaits like Rapala Husky Jerks, and 8-inch soft plastic reapers with appropriate jig heads.

What flies work for Northern Pike in Tennessee?

Productive fly patterns include streamers like Chip's Northern Magic, Monster Magic, Barry's Baitfish, Poor Man's Whistler, Pike Bunny, Lefty's Deceiver, and large baitfish imitations in sizes 3/0 to 2.

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

Spring fishing is excellent after ice-out through early summer when pike move into shallow waters of 1-5 feet, particularly targeting dark-bottomed bays and coves that warm quickly.

How do you catch Northern Pike in Tennessee?

Work lures slowly and methodically in spring, faster during summer when pike move deeper to cooler water, and aggressively in fall. Fish these flies with varied retrieve speeds and incorporate pauses, as pike often strike when prey appears vulnerable.

What do Northern Pike eat?

Northern Pike are voracious carnivores feeding on fish, frogs, small mammals, birds, snakes, crayfish, and virtually anything they can inhale. As juveniles, they start with zooplankton and quickly transition to consuming other pike and fish species.

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