Northern Pike
Northern pike (Esox lucius linnaeus) are at home in many of the lakes, rivers, and sloughs of Alaska. The Alaskan pike is the same species that is so popular with midwestern anglers. It has an elongated body and head.The snout is broad and flat, shaped s
omewhat like a duck bill. The jaws, roof of the mouth, tongue, and gillrakers are armed with numerous sharp teeth which are being constantly replaced. The pike is variable in color. A fish from a clear stream or lake will usually be light green, while a pike from a dark slough or river will be considerably darker. The marking on the sides form irregular rows of yellow or gold spots. Males and females are similar in appearance but females live longer and attain greater size. Pike up to 20 pounds are common in some Alaskan rivers, lakes, and sloughs, and fish weighing up to 30 pounds and measuring over 4 feet in length have been caught by anglers fishing at Royal Coachman Lodge. They love mouse patterns and have one of the most aggressive topwater strikes in freshwater.
