The northern pike is a very elongated, somewhat laterally compressed fish. Back and sides, dusky olive-green with rows of light oval spots. Dorsal, anal and tail fin have round to oblong darkened spots. Dorsal fin located far back on an elongated body. Large canine-like teeth.
Cheeks completely scaled, only upper half of the gill cover is scaled.
By cutting around the bones they can be removed. Fish make up the bulk of their diet but they will also take frogs, crayfish, waterdogs, ducks, birds, and mice. Northern pike have sharp teeth, so many anglers use a wire leader to prevent the line from being cut. Lake Trout have a raised tooth crest on the head of the vomer. The tail is forked.