Non-native to Arizona, Northern Pike were introduced to Arizona in the 1965. The back and sides of the Northern Pike are a 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.
They prefer shallow water and areas congested with aquatic weeds. Fish make up the bulk of the Northern Pike diet but they will also take frogs, crayfish, waterdogs, ducks, birds, and mice. Fishing with minnows is unlawful in Lake Mary, Mormon Lake, Stoneman Lake and Long Lake. Northern pike have sharp teeth, so many anglers use a wire leader to prevent the line from being cut. By cutting around the bones they can be removed.