PIKE SECRETS- The Life History of Northern Pike by Carl Haensel Pike Species Identification photos by the author Northern Pike are some of Pennsylvania's most voracious predators. Found primarily in the western portion of the state, Northern Pike have been stocked in a variety of locations in Pennsylvania. Understanding how these fish live, breed, eat and survive can help you become a better pike angler. Identifying Northern Pike Northern Pike (Esox lucius) Color Patterns Northern Pike are one of 4 species in the genus Esox in Pennsylvania. Members of the Esox genus are the top toothy predators in the state. Pike in Pennsylvania are at the eastern and southern end of the pike native range, which reaches west to North and South Dakota and north into Canada. A Northern Pike's overall coloration is a dark olive green on its back, tapering lighter toward its belly. The Northern Pike can be easily identified by its light-colored, bean-shaped spots running horizontally along its body. When confused with Muskellunge, pike can be identified by the pores on the underside of its jaws. Pike have 4 to 5 pores while Muskellunge have 6 to 9 pores on each side of the jaw. Pike also have a fully scaled cheek, while Muskellunge have no scales on the lower half of its cheek. www.fishandboat.com Northern Pike have light-colored, bean-shaped spots on yellow-green to gray-green bodies. Muskellunge have light vertical bars or spots. Tiger Muskellunge have dark gray-green bars. Northern Pike have fully scaled cheeks with half of the gill cover scaled. Jaw Pores Muskellunge have 6 to 9 pores on each side of the jaw. Northern Pike have 4 to 5 pores on each side of the jaw. Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2019 5http://www.fishandboat.com