They prefer shallow water and the cover of weedbeds, stumps, logs and lilypads but will move into deeper, cooler waters as water temperature rises into the 70os. Pike are primarily sight feeders but also sense prey through swimming vibrations and scent. Pike greatly rely on their intense prey striking speed over short distances. This speed has been estimated in excess of 60 MPH in a straight line. Feeding is most active during the early morning and late afternoon and drops off sharply at noontime.
Pike feed aggressively just before spawning in the spring and again in the autumn.
Spawning takes place in spring when water temperatures are in the mid 40 degree region. This is usually in March to May in the United States. Shallow marshy areas and inlets with dense vegetation are preferred. The female pike lays her eggs over this vegetation and the eggs, which are sticky, adhere to it. Northerns spawn earlier than muskie and the northern fry will feed on muskie eggs.