Northern pike
Esox lucius
Also known as: Pike
The ambush predator of fresh water; explodes out of weed cover.
Habitat
Weedy shallows of lakes and reservoirs, slow river margins.
Behaviour
Lies in ambush among weed and strikes in a single burst; goes deeper in summer heat.
Feeding
Fish, frogs, occasionally waterfowl chicks.
Recommended baits
Large spoons, jerkbaits, soft plastics, live baitfish.
Recommended methods
Spinning, trolling, working weed edges.
Safe handling and release
Very sharp teeth — a wire trace and pliers are essential. Never lift by the gills; support under the jaw.
Confusable with
No close look-alike in Turkish waters.
Regulations
- Minimum size
- 40 cm
- Daily limit
- 5
T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı · last verified 03.08.2026
- Closed season
- 15.12 – 31.03
T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı · last verified 03.08.2026
Regulation information is not legal advice. Rules vary by country, region and season; every record shows its source and last verification date. Always check the current official regulations yourself.