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Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Northern Pike are an aggressive predatory species that have thrived in Vermont's fertile waters, though they're not native east of the Green Mountains and have been introduced throughout much of New England.

Scientific Name: Esox lucius

Physical Characteristics:
  • These distinctive fish have elongate bodies with large, tooth-filled mouths and long, pointed snouts.
  • They display dark green coloration along their sides speckled with yellow, bean-shaped markings that fade to cream-white on their underbelly, with dark spots covering all fins except the pectorals.
  • Pike in Vermont commonly range between 30-40 inches, though they can reach up to 53 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer heavily vegetated, clear lakes and rivers in both warmer and cool waters, congregating in quiet river stretches and weedy lake bays.
  • Larger individuals move away from shore during warm summer months.

Key Locations

  • Notable Vermont pike fisheries include Lake Champlain, Otter Creek, Bristol Pond, Woodward Reservoir, Connecticut River, and Lake Memphramagog, with healthy populations also found in various small ponds statewide.
  • Vermont's state record is 30 pounds, 8 ounces, caught in Glen Lake in 1977.

Specific Spots

  • Target areas include weed edges, points leading into bays, narrow channels, underwater ridges, and structures where pike ambush prey.

Northern Pike FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Effective lures include spoons (especially Daredevils and Johnson Silver Minnows), spinnerbaits, bucktail spinners (Mepps Muskie Killers #4 or #5), crankbaits, and large swimbaits. Weedless spoons like the Thompson Spoon work well in heavy vegetation during summer. Topwater lures like Spooks or Jitterbugs.

What flies work for Northern Pike in Vermont?

Productive patterns include Barry Reynolds Pike Bunny, classic Red & White Pike Fly, Chip's Northern Magic, Monster Magic, Poor Man's Whistler, and Lefty's Deceiver in sizes 3/0 to 2.

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

The best times to target northern pike in Vermont are during the cooler months, with peak opportunities in early spring (post-spawn), late fall, and through the ice fishing season. Ice fishing is highly productive.

How do you catch Northern Pike in Vermont?

For open-water fishing, target pike with moving baits around shallow underwater vegetation using fast, erratic retrieves to cover water efficiently and trigger reaction strikes. Pike respond well to surface presentations using topwater lures - make noise to attract them and wait 15 seconds between casts.

What do Northern Pike eat?

Pike are aggressive predatorial feeders labeled as 'omnivorous carnivores' due to their wide-ranging diet. Young pike begin feeding on small fish within 7-10 days after hatching, while larger individuals consume fish, crayfish, frogs, mice, muskrats, and ducklings.

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