Focus on Fish Gallery Guide Focus on Fish Final | Page 17

Northern
Pike
Habitat and Diet:
Northern pike are found in almost every type of
freshwater, from cold deep lakes, to warm shallow ponds,
to muddy rivers. Because they are comfortable in many
different water temperatures they are in especially
adaptable species of freshwater fish.
Northern pike are carnivorous fish. Because they are
equipped with very sharp teeth and complex skull and jaw
structures, they are able to feed on smaller fish, frogs,
crayfish, small mammals and birds.
Relationship to humans:
Pike are highly sought by anglers because of their
aggressive nature and aerial acrobatics when hooked.
Many anglers will release pike back in to the water
immediately after catching because they have many small
“Y-bones” that can make eating them a chore. For those
who don’t mind the extra care in avoiding the bones, pike
are mild and delicious.
Fun/Unusual fact:
In Finland, catching a pike weighing at least 22 lbs. is
considered the qualification as a master fisherman.