Northern Pike

Esox lucius

A large, hard-hitting ambush predator of weedy lakes, sloughs, and slow river backwaters.

Overview

Size range

16–54 in

Size range

Typical adult length in the waters we cover.

Water temperature

Warmwater

Water temperature

Preferred thermal regime for this species.

Origin

Introduced

Origin

Stocking and native history where this species is found.

About Northern Pike

Northern pike are introduced in Idaho and belong to the pike family, Esocidae. They are warmwater fish that can grow very large, with adults reaching about 54 inches.

Northern Pike Silhouette

Primary

Behavior

spawning: Spawning details were not provided in the authoritative sources reviewed.
feeding style: Usually solitary and territorial, northern pike are ambush predators that strike from cover.
seasonal notes: They favor clear water with vegetation and are most often associated with quiet, low-current areas rather than long migrations.

Habitat

water types: weedy lakes, sloughs, backwaters, slow rivers, quiet creek pools
preferred holds: Look for clear, vegetated water, especially weed edges, backwaters, and quiet pools with little current.

Where Found

Not yet linked to waters

This species has not been linked to a river or lake in our catalog yet.

Angler Tactics

tactics: Cover water around weed edges and slack-water backwaters, then work lures with pauses that give a hiding fish time to strike.
effective methods: spinnerbaits, spoons, swimbaits, jerkbaits, live bait where legal

Regulations

Always check the current Idaho fishing seasons and rules for the specific water you plan to fish, as pike regulations can vary by location.

Regulations vary by water. Check current Idaho Fish and Game rules before fishing.

Conservation

Status: Introduced to Idaho

G5 (Secure) · ESA: Not listed · Idaho: SNA

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