Pike

About

The pike is a large fish that can grow to over a meter in length. It is found in rivers, lakes and canals in some parts of Scotland that have a lot of vegetation, from which it can stage ambushes. Pike are a species of fish well built for ambushes on their prey. They use their elongated bodies to push against water and produce a large amount of explosive speed to catch fish, frogs, small mammals or ducklings. Pike spawn between March and May, returning to the same place every year. A large female can produce up to 500,000 eggs.

Pike have been introduced into many of Scotland’s lochs and slower moving rivers.  

How to identify

Pike are a large fish and are an olive-green colour with creamy blotches on its sides. It is long and slim with a large tapered head, large eyes, a flattened snout and a large mouth full of sharp teeth.

Did you know ?

Pike can prey on items up to half their body weight which can include trout, small moorhen and even ducks. Because of the their large size and predatory nature, there are many stories told about large pike. The largest pike caught in the UK is weighed in at just over 21kg. There are records of pike abroad weighing up to 42kg.

How you can help? 

Did you know you can help wildlife in your local river ? You can do this in many ways from reporting pollution to SEPA, by not flushing wet wipes down the toilet and even at one of our many conservation volunteer days. Check out our Get Involved page for more information on how you can get involved with your local river.