Description
Non-native. Introduced in 1965. Back and sides, dusky olive-green with
rows of light oval spots. Dorsal, anal and tail fin have round to oblong
darkened spots. Dorsal fin located far back on an elongated body. Large
canine-like teeth. Cheeks completely scaled, only upper half of the
gill cover is scaled. Length: 12 to 47 inches. Weight: 8 ounces to
24 pounds.
Location and
Habitat
Found in Lake Mary, Mormon Lake, Stoneman Lake, and Long Lake, south of
Flagstaff. Prefer shallow water and areas congested with aquatic weeds.
Spawn just after ice thaws; Adhesive eggs simply scattered over the bottom
or onto vegetation.
Food
Fish make up the bulk of their diet but they will also take frogs, crayfish,
waterdogs, ducks, birds, and mice.
Angling
Effective lures and bait for pike are "LARGE" spoons, spinners,
plugs or waterdogs. Fishing with minnows is unlawful in Lake Mary, Morman
Lake, Stoneman Lake and Long Lake. Northern pike have sharp teeth, so many
anglers use a wire leader to prevent the line from being cut.
Table
Quality
The meat is white, firm, flaky and has good flavor, but each fillet has
a row of Y-bones. By cutting around the bones they can be removed.
