Pike

LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

Freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers
They are known to inhabit clear, cool waters.
Brackish waters: Northern pike can also be found in brackish waters near the coast, where they can adapt to the mix of fresh and saltwater, and where they can find a wide range of prey.
Connecticut: Bantam Lake, Candlewood Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Lake Wononskopomuc, Housatonic River.
Massachusetts: Quabbin Reservoir, Lake Wyola, Lake Cochituate, Wachusett Reservoir, Connecticut River
Maine: Moosehead Lake, Sebago Lake, Rangeley Lake, East Grand Lake, Penobscot River.
New Hampshire: Squam Lake, Winnipesaukee Lake, Newfound Lake, Sunapee Lake, Merrimack River
New Jersey: Musconetcong River, Pequest River, Raritan River, Swartswood Lake, Budd Lake, Lake Aeroflex, Spruce Run Reservoir and Round Valley Reservoir.
New York: St. Lawrence River, 1000 Islands Region, Oneida Lake, Lake Ontario, Black River, Oswego River, Lake Champlain, Saratoga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Upper Niagara River
Pennsylvania: Pymatuning Lake, Conneaut Lake, Shenango River Lake, Lake Erie, Allegheny River, French Creek, Lake Wallenpaupack, Presque Isle Bay, Lake LeBoeuf, Clarion River.
Rhode Island: Surrounding states offer better opportunity.
Vermont: Lake Champlain, Missisquoi River, Otter Creek, Winooski River Connecticut River, White River, Battenkill River, Nulhegan River, Passumpsic River, Lamoille River

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

Abundant aquatic vegetation, such as weed beds, and structure such as submerged logs, rocky shoals, and drop-offs.
Predator, mainly eating smaller fish.
Natural structure, points, docks, trees, grassy areas. Any sudden changes in water depth., Shorelines, Rocks

PATTERNS

SPRING

As the water warms up in the spring, northern pike will begin to move into shallower waters to spawn. During this time, they can be found in weed beds, near shorelines, and in other shallow areas. This is a prime time for northern pike fishing, as the fish are actively feeding in preparation for spawning.

SUMMER

After spawning, northern pike will move into deeper waters to avoid the heat of the summer. They can be found in deeper weed beds, around underwater structure, and in other areas that provide cover and cooler water temperatures. The summer is not a prime time for northern pike fishing, as the fish are less active and harder to locate.

FALL

As the water cools down in the fall, northern pike will begin to move into shallower waters again. They can be found in weed beds, near shorelines, and in other shallow areas. This is a prime time for northern pike fishing, as the fish are actively feeding in preparation for winter.

WINTER

In the winter, northern pike will be less active and can be found in deeper waters, around underwater structure, and in other areas that provide cover and warmer water temperatures. Fishing for northern pike in the winter can be challenging due to the colder water temperatures, but it can still be productive if the right techniques are used.