Northern Pike
(also known as Hammer handles)
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Esox lucius
The Northern pike is native to Ohio and is more widely distributed than any other pike species. Historically, they were abundant in Lake Erie and its tributaries. It is also thought to have been present in some tributaries of the Ohio River. Today, its distribution is limited to a small portion of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Maumee Bay and the marshlands and tributary streams of these areas. Northern pike were also introduced into inland waters between 1950 and 1980. Northern pike prefer marshes, bays and pools of slow moving water in clear streams where aquatic vegetation is abundant.
The Northern pike is a long and slender fish with a duckbill shaped mouth and lots of needle sharp teeth. The dorsal fin is soft and located near the tail fin. In contrast to the muskellunge, the lower half of the opercle (gill cover) does not have scales while the cheek is fully scaled. Northern pike also have numerous white or yellow-green spots on the sides of the body which are arranged in oblique rows. There is no teardrop below the eye.
The Northern pike eats soft-rayed fish such as shad and suckers.
Most Northern pike caught in Ohio weigh between 2 and 10 pounds. However, individuals up to 22.5 pounds have been recorded.