How to Identify a Freshwater Pike
Freshwater Pike are a well-known species. They prefer colder waters so they are found mostly in the Northern United States and all over Canada, though one of the breeds, the Northern Pike, can be found in Nevada. Use these steps to learn the identifying markers for 6 different types of Pike, so that you will be prepared next time you're out on the lake with your fishing buddies.
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Instructions
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Identify Northern Pike, Tiger Muskellunge and Chain Pickerel
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Look for the dark green coloring on the back of the Northern Pike. The belly is white and there are oval spots on the sides. The lower jaw protrudes making the head a quarter of the entire body. A typical catch size is around 5 pounds, but 10 pounds is not uncommon in larger lakes.
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2
Notice the entire gill cover and cheeks are covered in scales on the Tiger Muskellunge, also known as the Tiger Musky. This fish is a result of the cross-breeding between a Northern Pike and a Muskellunge. The obvious distinguishing marks are the tiger stripes. They will grow to a maximum weight of 25 to 35 pounds.
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3
Watch for the bright green coloring that makes it easy to see where the common name Grass Pike came from for the Chain Pickerel. Also true to its name, there is a dark marking that appears almost like links on a chain over the entire body. The head and tail have no markings; however they do also have the same olive coloring.
Identify Muskellunge, Grass Pickerel and Redfin Pickerel
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Determine the difference between the previously mentioned Tiger Muskellunge and the Muskellunge by noticing the spots on the Muskellunge. They are dark spots along a light background; which does not extend to its head or tail. It has the same protruding lower jaw that all Pike have. This is the largest of the Pike species getting up to 50 inches long and 45 pounds in weight.
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See the same olive coloring as the Chain Pickerel, only the Grass Pickerel has long, dark vertical stripes. The belly is white and the fins have a square shape with rounded tips. At full size this fish rarely grows longer than 12 inches.
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6
Notice the shorter snout on the Redfin Pickerel as it is the only feature that differentiates it from the Grass or Chain Pickerels. Otherwise, they all have the same brown and olive coloring with black markings. The black markings in this case are diagonal bars offset by lime green bars.
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Tips & Warnings
Carry a fish identification book, poster or cards (available under the Resource section) on hand to ensure the proper identification.
All persons near or in the water should be wearing a life jacket. If out on a boat, always have an experienced boater on board as well.
Never drink alcoholic beverages while boating and/or fishing. Alcohol is strictly prohibited on boats and should not be drunk if planning to swim either.
