NORTHERN PIKE: NOT FULLY APPRECIATED

The northern pike is a fresh water gamefish that is not fully appreciated among many fresh water enthusiasts. It is put down by many anglers who have given it a lowly spot in popularity. But for those fishermen that appreciate it’s ability to fight hard and beat many an angler, the northern pike is sought after more and more and it’s popularity continues to grow. The pike caught by anglers are generally large and often times reach weights approaching twenty pounds. Due to their size and fighting ability when hooked, northern pike are a highly desirable gamefish.

The northern pike is a very elongated and somewhat laterally compressed fish. The head is large and has a flat dorsal surface. The duckbill jaws have large teeth that are pointed and sharp. The roof of the mouth has short backward pointing teeth. The entire cheek is covered with small scales, but only the gill cover has larger scales. This scalation is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the northern pike. Five sensory pores are located on each side of the lower jaw. The back is dark green shading to lighter green on the sides and white on the ventral surface. On the sides are many bean shaped yellow spots, but the fins are heavily dark spotted.

MYTHS

No species has inspired more fables than the northern pike. Some stories have told of pike that have lived hundreds of years but in reality the life span of the pike is closer to ten years with some individuals reaching the ripe old age of twenty. There was a 350 pound mounted pike that was 19 feet long and turned out to be a hoax. It was constructed by piecing a number of bodies together. Pike bones were worn as talismans to ward off witchcraft. Pike appeared in medieval literature simply to attach swans, men and even mules. They also provide medicines to cure ailments such as high fever, powdered jawbones to cure pleurisy and the ashes of burned pike to dress wounds.

LOCAL DISTRIBUTION

Before the arrival of the Europeans there were no northern pike in the New England states. In 1838, it is said that the northern pike were introduced into the Connecticut River system drainage in a pond connected to the Black River. From this point they spread throughout the Connecticut River System and throughout New England. Today northern pike are found I many bodies of water and are actively pursued by hoards of fishermen. The Charles River in Waltham is one river that many North Shore anglers frequent in search of that prized pike.

SPAWNING

Pike will congregate near a spawning site before there is any visible change in water temperature. This assembling action is triggered by internal stimuli. After leaving the depths, the spawning desire in increased by water temperature and intensifying light. Generally pike will spawn when they reach the age of 3 to 5 years but will spawn earlier depending on their location. Northern pike usually spawn during the early spring as soon as the ice goes out.

Most spawning runs take place from 6 pm to 9 am with the peak of the run taking place between 9 pm and midnight. Even though they may run at night, there is no spawning activity until the daylight hours. The height of spawning usually takes place during the afternoon. The most intense spawning activity has been observed on sunny days when there is little wind.

MIGRATIONS

It is during the spawning period that the greatest fish movement and migrations take place. Pike often travel long distances to reach their spawning grounds. In Michigan, two pike, tagged thirty-eight days earlier had traveled twenty-five miles upstream. Some biologists are of the opinion that pike wander restlessly from lace to place. It is generally agreed that in smaller lakes where the habitat ir more or less uniform the pike do little wandering. In large lakes, where there may be extensive weed beds scattered throughout the lake there is evidence that pike wander more freely. River spawners were found to be more restless and far ranging, while pike that spawned in marshes along the shore were more sedentary.

In summer, northern pike can be found around weed beds in about four feet of water but in the fall the fish move to precipitous stormy shores. During the winter months they return to their summer habitat. Temperature and available food will influence their movement and habitat. When temperatures rise above optimum, pike will restrict activity and practically stop feeding.

FEEDING HABITS

Northern pike are one of the fastest growing fresh water species. Pike can grow as much as seventeen inches during one summer. Pike are generally nothing more than a feeding machine that will devour almost anything that comes within it’s path. They will feed on most live fish including yellow perch, brook trout, bluegills, crappie, bass and shiners among other species of fish. Their diet also includes other nonfish items such as frogs, tadpoles, birds, leeches, muskrats, mice, crayfish, snail, shrimps and nymphs. Pike feed entirely during the daylight hours. Yellow perch and suckers seem to be the preferred food for pike when they are present. It is the general rule that pike will feed on whatever is present in abundance.

ANGLING FOR PIKE

The northern pike is one of the most reliable gamefish, but there are time when it is more readily caught than others. One of the most productive time for fishing occurs just after the spawning run when the fish are hungry. The best time for catching pike is generally held to be between the hours of 8 am and 11 am. Periods of activity will vary from season to season. Once the water temperature reaches 65 degrees, angling success lessen and summer catches diminish. The most consistent catches of northern pike are made inj shallow water by fishing holes in weed beds and patches of lily pads.

Medium and shallow running lures and large, lively live bait are most generally used and are the most productive. At times, plugs designed for salt water applications work well.

One of the best areas for pike fishing in this area is the Charles River in Waltham. Although fair to good numbers of anglers work the river during the open water season, far more anglers seem to prefer the action during the ice season. The sections of the river behind Brandies University, Twin Coves and Maple Cove are considered to be prime areas for ice fishing. Fishermen set their traps with the largest shiners that they can find or suckers. Traps are positioned a short distance from shore, usually in no more than three or four feet of water.. Once the traps have been set, fishermen leave the ice as pike are very sensitive to any movement that takes place on the ice.

Northern pike are a real challenge and fishermen find it rewarding to net a pike of trophy size. With the ice season rapidly approaching, try fishing the Charles. Once spring arrives, set out for the challenge of northern pike fishing.