It is common throughout most of Minnesota's lakes and streams, and most often is found around aquatic vegetation in quiet or slow-moving waters. Northern pike sometimes is called pickerel, and in Canada can beknown as jackfish. Northern pike usuallyweighs from 25-30 pounds, although weights of more than 50 pounds have been reported. Northern pike grows slowly in northern lakes, but those living in warmer waters can reach 10-12 inches in one year, and grow even larger within years. Largely a sight feeder, the northern pike strikes at anything that moves or excites its curiosity.
Leeches also are a choice food, and it occasionally catches and eats duckling and small muskrats.