Scientific Name
Esox masquinongy
Image Credit
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Length
71-137 centimetres (28-40 inches)
Similar Species
Location
- from the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes basin, north to Lake Nipissing and west to Lake of the Woods
Description
- very large, elongated fish (second-largest in Ontario)
- dark vertical bands on light background, at times spotted or clear
- green-gold, brown, grey or silver back
- lighter sides
- beige to white belly
- partially scaled cheek and gill cover
- 12-18 pores on underside of lower jaw
- tips of tail fin more pointed than northern pike
Habitat
- concealed among aquatic plants at the sides of channels
- rocks and offshore shoals in lakes and rivers in summer
Angling Tips
- peak fishing periods are in June and in the fall when water temperatures begin to cool
- medium-sized fish are plentiful in the summer months
- bite all day, but morning and evening, when baitfish activity peaks, are best fishing times
- province-wide size limits
- use heavy casting tackle with long rods and strong line to catch this large, strong fighter
- handle carefully, using a large net or cradle, pliers and gloves, to avoid injuring the fish or yourself
Common Bait
- large plugs, including large bass plugs
- in-line spinners
- spinnerbaits
- surface lures