Northern Pike

Pike are found in sluggish streams and shallow, weedy places in lakes as well as in cold freestone waters. They inhabit any water body that contains fish. They range from the Alaska interior to the Arctic coast from the Canadian border to the Seward Peninsula and southwest to the Bristol Bay Drainages. They are a true trophy size fish that grow up to 20 lbs and larger. The state record is 38 lbs. The northern pike is also called jackfish or simply "northern" in the US can grow to a relatively large size of 16–22 inches with maximum recorded length of up to 59 inches weighing up to 63 pounds. The northern pike gets is common name from its resemblance to the pole-weapon known as the pike. Pike are found in sluggish streams and shallow, weedy places in lakes and reservoirs, as well as in cold, clear, rocky waters. They are typical ambush predators that lie in wait for prey, holding perfectly still for long periods, and then exhibit remarkable acceleration as they strike. The northern pike is a relatively aggressive species when feeding. Within North America, northern pike populations are found as far north as Maine to Texas in the south. They are also found in Alaska, the Yukon, British Columbia and other parts of Canada.