Northern Pike
Esox lucius
An aggressive ambush predator found across the northern United States and Canada in weedy lakes, bays, and rivers. A favorite of ice anglers using tip-ups and summer anglers working weed edges, pike deliver explosive strikes and raw power that make every hookup memorable.
Seasonal Activity
Jan
Prime
Feb
Prime
Mar
Good
Apr
Off season
May
Prime
Jun
Prime
Jul
Good
Aug
Good
Sep
Good
Oct
Prime
Nov
Good
Dec
Prime
Best Techniques
- tip-ups with shiners
- trolling spoons
- casting spinnerbaits
- dead-baiting
Top Baits
- large shiners
- suckers
- spoons
- spinnerbaits
- in-line spinners
State Records
Official rod & reel records by state. Log your catch to see how you compare.
| State | Weight | Length | Angler | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WI | 46.25 lb | — | Joseph Berg | 2019 | Lake Michigan |
| NY | 46.13 lb | — | Peter Dubuc | 1940 | Great Sacandaga Lake |
| MN | 45.75 lb | — | — | — | Basswood Lake |
| MI | 39 lb | 51.5 in | — | 1961 | Dodge Lake |
| PA | 35 lb | — | Carl Stoltz | 2003 | Allegheny Reservoir |
| WA | 34.06 lb | — | Bryan McMannis | 2004 | Long Lake |
| IN | 30.13 lb | — | Jack Barnes | 1992 | Clear Lake |
| IL | 26.94 lb | — | Walter Klenzack | 1989 | Monster Lake |
| TN | 24.5 lb | — | Frank Childers | 1995 | South Holston Reservoir |
| OH | 22.78 lb | — | — | 2016 | — |
| MO | 18.56 lb | — | Gene Moore | 1975 | Stockton Lake |
| GA | 18.13 lb | — | Keith Gragg | 1982 | Lake Rabun |
Report an issue
See something wrong, missing, or out of date? Let us know — we read every report.