Northern Pike
(Esox lucius)
Species Description
**Description:** A long, powerful predatory fish with bean-shaped light spots on a dark green body.
**Size & Weight:** Typically 20–30 inches. Can exceed 40 inches and weigh over 15 lbs.
**Behavior:** Known as "water wolves" for their aggressive ambush tactics. They can eat prey up to one-third of their own body length.
**Identification:** Look for a fully scaled cheek and horizontal spots. Unlike the Muskellunge, they have light spots on a dark background.
**Habitat:** Weedier coves and shallow backwaters of the Allegheny Reservoir.
**Size & Weight:** Typically 20–30 inches. Can exceed 40 inches and weigh over 15 lbs.
**Behavior:** Known as "water wolves" for their aggressive ambush tactics. They can eat prey up to one-third of their own body length.
**Identification:** Look for a fully scaled cheek and horizontal spots. Unlike the Muskellunge, they have light spots on a dark background.
**Habitat:** Weedier coves and shallow backwaters of the Allegheny Reservoir.