Northern Pike
Biological Profile & Regional Guide
🏆 REGIONAL TROPHY INTEL & QUALIFYING STANDARDS
Pennsylvania (PFBC)
Adult (Weight): 11 lb 0 oz
Junior (Weight): 9 lb 0 oz
Catch & Release: 27 in
Junior (Weight): 9 lb 0 oz
Catch & Release: 27 in
State Record: 35 lb 0 oz
📍 Allegheny Reservoir (Kinzua)
(2003)
New York (NYSDEC)
Angler Award: 36 in
(Minimum Length Requirement)
(Minimum Length Requirement)
State Record: 46 lb 2 oz
📍 Sacandaga Reservoir
(1940)
Appearance
Long, torpedo-shaped body. Dark green background with light, bean-shaped spots. Duck-bill snout.
Size Range
20-40 inches, 3-20 lbs. Females are generally larger.
Primary Habitat
Cool water lakes and slow rivers. Heavily reliant on aquatic vegetation.
Feeding Habits
Fish, frogs, occasionally small mammals or waterfowl.
Behavior & Biology
Movement: Aggressive ambush predator. Solitary.
Spawning: Very early spring (right after ice-out) in flooded marshes.
Lifespan: 10-15 years
🎣 Sport Fishing Intel
Fighting Behavior: Very aggressive, not boat-shy. Often strikes right at the shore/boat.
Recommended Tactics: Casting weedlines, fishing large live baits under bobbers.
Best Baits/Lures: Spoons, spinnerbaits, large shiners/chubs.
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