Freshwater Fish of Connecticut
Northern Pike
Esox lucius
🏆 Connecticut State Record
Harvest29 lb 0 ozLeslie Slater · 2020 · West Branch Reservoir, Colebrook-HartlandJoseph Nett · 1980 · Lake Lillinonah, Brookfield
Catch & Release45.75"David L. Jones · 2009 · Housatonic River, Falls Village
All Connecticut state records →
Also called: Pike, Northern, Hammer Handle
Identification
Long, torpedo-shaped body with a duckbill snout and light, bean-shaped spots on a dark green side.
Habitat
Weedy shallows of lakes and slow rivers.
Behavior
Ambush predator with an explosive strike.
How to Catch
Large spoons, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and wire leaders along weed edges.
Notes
Grows large; deliver a thrilling hit.
Where to find Northern Pike in CT
- Bantam Lake Morris / Litchfield
- Connecticut River — Hartford/Middle Haddam Hartford / Haddam
- Hanover Pond Meriden
- Housatonic River Salisbury
- Housatonic River — Bulls Bridge TMA Kent / Sharon
- Lake Housatonic Derby
- Quinebaug River Thompson
- Roseland Lake Woodstock
- West Thompson Lake Thompson