All about Northern Pike
Northern pike are popular with Iowa anglers. This feisty fish is a top predator in Iowa waters.
Characteristics
An elongated fish with a long head, which is depressed forward into a pair of large duck-bill shaped jaws imbedded with many canine teeth. Body color varies, depending on the waters from which it is taken. It usually is bluish-green to gray on the back. The markings on the sides are irregular rows of light yellow or gold spots.
State Record
25.31 pounds, 45 inches -West Okoboji Lake, Dickinson County, February 1977 – Allen Forsberg
Northern Pike - What do I need
Anglers generally use stout medium or medium/heavy spinning or bait cast reels. Pike have rows of sharp teeth that can easily cut through most fishing line. Leaders made from wire, steel or titanium can protect your line from being bitten off, especially when using flash lures.
Northern Pike - Tips and Tricks
Northern pike fishing can vary by season. Pike, similar to walleye and smallmouth bass, are a cool water species that are more active during cool water months or cooler parts of summer days. As active predators, they readily hit live baits and gaudy spoons or spinners. Bright colors (red, white or silver) lures work best. Use live baits and tip-up rigs during winter ice fishing season.
Northern Pike - Where to find Them
Northern pike are found mostly in the upper two-thirds of Iowa. Water bodies with pike vary from a few man-made recreational lakes to natural lakes and large rivers. Pike prefer sluggish, heavily vegetated habitat and are numerous in the upper reaches of the large interior streams like the Des Moines, Wapsipinicon and Iowa rivers. Pike are especially numerous in the Mississippi River above Clinton along the eastern edge.
Look for pike along aquatic vegetation lines. Pike prefer to lie in wait to ambush unsuspecting prey. Their cryptic coloration can make them perfectly blend into this aquatic vegetation. Although they can utilize deep water, for much of the year they live and move throughout the vegetation in shallow 3 to 6 feet of water.
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