NORTHERN PIKE

Loved by some, hated by others, the northern pike has a unique status as both native game fish and invasive exotic in Alaska. Recently (and illegally) introduced to some Southcentral lakes, the voracious pike is wreaking havoc among native fishes of that area. Averaging 5-12 lbs, the pike can reach weights in excess of 40 lbs and lengths of 4 feet or more.  The best fishing is often during the months of May when pike is spawning in the shallows, and October, when the last of the seasonal feeding opportunities cause them to gorge on most any food source they come across.

• Size
  Length to 4 feet, weight to 40 lbs.
• Lifespan
  20+ years
• Distribution/Range
  Europe, Asia, Siberia, Arctic North America, with most populations found north of latitude 40° N
• Diet
  Invertebrates, fishes, small mammals and waterfowl
• Predators
  Larger pike, otters, hawks, burbot, humans
• Reproduction
  Sexual maturity at four to six years, females carry over 100,000 eggs
• Other Names
  Northern, Water Wolf
• Remarks
  Native to northern and western Alaska; introduced to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, around Anchorage, and lakes on the Kenai Peninsula