Wildlife Watching Wednesday: Northern Pike Have Teeth

By: Tom Berg

Anyone who has gone fishing and caught a northern pike knows one thing for sure: they have sharp teeth! Northern pike are carnivorous fish that grow to large sizes and are often pursued by sport fishermen. Why? Because they eagerly strike artificial lures and put up a great fight. They go by many names: pike, grass pike, jack, slough snake, hammer handle, gator, Mr. Toothy and others.

Northern pike are called Mr. Toothy for one reason. Their mouth is filled with dozens of thin, needle-sharp teeth. These teeth help them hold onto the small fish they catch and eat. So don’t stick your fingers in their mouth! Besides the plethora of teeth, northern pike can be identified by their long, sleek body shape and their coloration. They are usually olive green in color with a white belly. Their sides are covered with light-colored elongated spots, and their fins often have a reddish tint to them. 

The average-sized pike is usually 18-32 inches long. Of course, larger pike up to 40 inches long (or more) are occasionally caught. Northern pike are found in many states, especially northern Midwestern states like Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. But they are also found in lots of other states, too, like Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, New York – the list goes on and on.

Although pike eat a variety of foods like mice, snakes, baby ducks, small turtles and large aquatic insects, their favorite food is other fish. Minnows, perch, sunfish and almost any other fish that is smaller than themselves is fair game. So when fishing for pike, the best bait to use is a small live fish or a lure that looks like a small fish.

Northern pike are good to eat, but they are somewhat bony when compared to other fish. If you cut out the “Y” bones, you can enjoy some nice boneless fillets. No matter where you go fishing for northern pike, though, remember to use a wire leader before attaching your lure to the line. Otherwise the pike’s sharp teeth are likely to cut your line!

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