An angler with a quality Northern Pike caught from a kayak. Photo by ©Tim Aldridge
A DWR Biologist displays a Northern Pike that was captured during an electrofishing survey. Photo by ©Robert Willis
Fact File
Scientific Name: Esox lucius
Classification: Fish, Order Esociformes, Family Esocidae
Size: Northern Pike can exceed 50 inches in length
Life Span: Northern Pike in Virginia can live for over 10 years
Identifying Characteristics
An angler measures a trophy size Northern Pike. Photo by ©Derrick Tuttle
- Elongated body shape
- Posterior oriented dorsal fin
- Horizontal blotches or streaks throughout the body
- Mouth is filled with razor-sharp teeth
- Long, duck-like mouth
Diet
Northern Pike are piscivorous, meaning that they feed primarily on other fishes. They will also opportunistically consume other animals such as amphibians, small mammals, and birds.
Distribution
Populations of Northern Pike in Virginia are maintained as a unique recreational fishing opportunity by the Virginia DWR Hatchery Program. Anglers wanting to target Northern Pike should focus on the following waterbodies, which have been stocked in recent years:
- Hidden Valley Lake
- Lake Arrowhead
- Lake Frederick
- Lake Laura
- Motts Run Reservoir
Habitat
Northern Pike are ambush predators and prefer to conceal themselves in structure or submerged aquatic vegetation where they can attack unsuspecting prey. Northern Pike thrive in cooler waters and require ample amounts of dissolved oxygen. For this reason, there are limited waterbodies in Virginia that can sustain healthy Northern Pike populations throughout the summer.
Last updated: January 8, 2025
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Species Profile Database serves as a repository of information for Virginia’s fish and wildlife species. The database is managed and curated by the Wildlife Information and Environmental Services (WIES) program. Species profile data, distribution information, and photography is generated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State and Federal agencies, Collection Permittees, and other trusted partners. This product is not suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying use. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources does not accept responsibility for any missing data, inaccuracies, or other errors which may exist. In accordance with the terms of service for this product, you agree to this disclaimer.