May 21, 1999

    Northern Pike

Northern pike, the most broadly distributed freshwater fish in the world, can be found in most of northern North America, Europe and Asia.  It is common throughout most of Minnesota's lakes and streams, and most often is found around aquatic vegetation in quiet or slow-moving waters.  Northern pike sometimes is called pickerel, and in Canada can beknown as jackfish.

Northern pike usuallyweighs from 25-30 pounds, although weights of more than 50 pounds have been reported. One 45-pound, 12-ounce fish was caught by an angler at Basswood Lake in Lake County.  Northern pike grows slowly in northern lakes, but those living in warmer waters can reach 10-12 inches in one year, and grow even larger within years.

Largely a sight feeder, the northern pike strikes at anything that moves or excites its curiosity.  It feeds primarily on living animals -- mainly fishes such as perch, suckers, sunfish, and even smaller pike.  Leeches also are a choice food, and it occasionally catches and eats duckling and small muskrats.