Northern Pike
Esox lucius
Aggressive predator with elongated body.
Season opens in 25 days
Fishing Regulations
May 1 - March 15
18
5 per day
Weedy lakes, ponds, and slow rivers. Tolerates various conditions. Ambush predator near vegetation edges, drop-offs, and structure. Shallow to mid-depth water.
Early spring (March-April) spawning in shallow marshes. Summer in deeper, cooler water. Fall feeding actively. Winter catchable through ice. Best fishing spring and fall.
Light spots on dark green background. Duck-bill shaped snout. Forked tail. Fully scaled cheeks and gill covers. 5 pores under jaw. Size 20-30 inches common, up to 40+ inches.
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Important: Fishing regulations are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the official NY DEC website before fishing.