FishableWaters

Species

Northern Pike

On record in 89 waters across 6 states

Northern pike are ambush predators built like a torpedo, and they'll eat anything that fits in their mouth, including fish nearly half their own length. A big pike hitting a lure at the boat, in open water, is one of the more heart-stopping moments in freshwater fishing.

Northern Pike are on record in 89 waters across 6 states, most heavily in Indiana, North Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Utah. FishableWaters tracks every northern pike stocking from state agency reports — use the state links and most-stocked list below to find waters near you.

By state

Most-stocked waters

How to catch them

Cast large, flashy lures near weed edges, drop-offs, and other ambush points where pike sit and wait. Pike are aggressive and often hit lures worked fast, which makes them one of the easier big predators to target with reaction-style presentations.

Large spoons, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits get eaten readily. Dead bait or large live bait fished under a bobber near weed lines works well for anglers targeting size over numbers, especially through the ice.

Know your fish

Long, cylindrical body, a duck-bill-shaped snout full of teeth, and light bean-shaped spots on a dark olive-green background, the opposite pattern of muskellunge. Always use a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader; pike teeth cut straight through standard fishing line.

Right after ice-out, when pike move shallow to spawn and feed, is prime time in most northern states. Fall is the other strong window, as pike feed heavily to build reserves before winter.

Freshest northern pike stockings

May 26, 2026Lake NettieND18,200
May 26, 2026Silver CreekND14,300
May 26, 2026Coal Mine LakeND63,000
May 25, 2026Sanborn LakeND32,000
May 25, 2026Battle LakeND19,200
May 25, 2026Fordville DamND27,000
May 25, 2026McVille CouleeND6,400
May 25, 2026North Golden LakeND32,000
May 23, 2026Lake GeorgeND14,000
May 23, 2026Pelican LakeND14,000
May 23, 2026Cottonwood LakeND42,000
May 22, 2026Clear LakeND28,900
May 22, 2026Lake HelenND46,000
May 22, 2026Lake HelenND56,100
May 22, 2026Sibley LakeND36,800

Northern Pike — FAQ

Where can I catch northern pike?+

Northern Pike are stocked across 6 states, led by Indiana, North Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Utah. Pick a state below to see every water stocked with northern pike.

What's the best bait for northern pike?+

Large spoons, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits get eaten readily. Dead bait or large live bait fished under a bobber near weed lines works well for anglers targeting size over numbers, especially through the ice.

When is the best time to catch northern pike?+

Right after ice-out, when pike move shallow to spawn and feed, is prime time in most northern states. Fall is the other strong window, as pike feed heavily to build reserves before winter.

How many waters are stocked with northern pike?+

89 waters across 6 states hold northern pike on record, updated daily from agency stocking reports.