When Minnesotans are talking about pike, they almost invariably mean northern pike. The three pickerel species (chain, grass, and redfin), though also members of the pike family, are smaller than the northern pike. Of the three, only the chain pickerel is an important game fish (NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, 1999). None of the pickerel species is native to Minnesota. For more information on northern pike, scroll past the pike image below.

One of Minnesota's most widely distributed species, northern pike are found in most of our state's lakes and rivers. Though disliked by bass and walleye anglers for their nasty habit of cutting lines with their sharp teeth, the northern is a popular gamefish because of its size and willingness to bite. The Minnesota state record for northern pike is 45 pounds, 12 ounces (MN DNR, 2000). However, the typical Minnesota pike is two or three pounds (MN DNR, 2000). The fish pictured below weighed about 12 pounds. It was released immediately after being photographed. Though northern pike are quite bony, they are good eating if prepared correctly. Click here to learn the proper way to fillet your next pike.