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Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Northern Pike are not native to Wyoming and exist in extremely limited distribution in the state. They are apex predators with elongated, torpedo-shaped bodies built for explosive bursts of speed.

Scientific Name: Esox lucius

Physical Characteristics:
  • They have distinctive duck-bill snouts filled with sharp canine teeth up to 1 inch long, olive to brown coloration with light horizontal spots, and can reach lengths up to 4.5 feet and weights over 60 pounds.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • As ambush predators, they prefer shallow, vegetated areas with dense cover like submerged logs, weed beds, and undercut banks.

Key Locations

  • Keyhole Reservoir in northeastern Wyoming is the only confirmed location where Northern Pike can be found - it's the only place in Wyoming where northern pike are available according to state records.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on shallow, weedy areas with cover during spring and fall, targeting weed lines, rocky points, and submerged structures.

Northern Pike FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spoons (especially Eppinger Dardevles in red/white, black/white, Five of Diamonds patterns), large in-line spinners like Mepps Aglia Tandems, weedless Johnson Silver Minnows with curly-tail grub trailers for heavy vegetation, and large spinnerbaits.

What flies work for Northern Pike in Wyoming?

Large streamers like Chip's Northern Magic and Monster Magic (top producers), Barry's Baitfish 2.0 for clear water, Poor Man's Whistler for deeper presentations, Pike Bunny for bottom fishing, and topwater patterns like Bangers.

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

Spring and fall provide the best fishing when water temperatures are between 55-65°F and pike are most active. Avoid fishing during the March-April spawning period when they're less likely to feed.

How do you catch Northern Pike in Wyoming?

Focus on shallow, weedy areas with cover during spring and fall, targeting weed lines, rocky points, and submerged structures. Use fast retrieves in summer, slower presentations in cooler months. Cast past weed lines and retrieve along edges where pike ambush prey.

What do Northern Pike eat?

Their diet consists primarily of fish (yellow perch, suckers, walleye, bass, other pike), but they'll consume anything up to one-third their body length including crayfish, frogs, mice, small birds, and waterfowl.

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