Northern Pike
Pike Family: There are two members of the pike family in North Dakota, the northern pike and muskellunge.
Northern Pike Identification
- Long body and long snout with large teeth
- Dorsal fin is located far back on the body
- Horizontal body spots
- Never have more than five pores on each side of the lower jaw
- Scales covering their entire cheek
Notes
The northern pike was named North Dakota’s state fish in 1969.
Pike feed on a wide variety of foods including other fish, aquatic insects, salamanders, frogs and even baby ducks.
Pike often get a bad rap, because of their protective slime coating. They are excellent fighters and one of North Dakota’s best-tasting fish.
In North Dakota, pike can reach lengths over 40 inches and live into their teens.