Esox lucius
The Pike
The King of the Underwater World
The Pike (Esox lucius) is the undisputed apex predator of Finland's inland waters. With its torpedo-shaped body, flattened duck-bill mouth and hundreds of needle-sharp teeth, it is perfectly designed for explosive ambush attacks.
In Finland it is called Hauki and is by far the most popular target species among predator anglers. No other fish combines size, fighting power and aggression so impressively. In Finland's countless lakes and bays, Pike regularly exceed one metre in length - genuine trophies beyond the 10-kilo mark are not uncommon.
The Pike is a classic ambush predator. It holds motionless in weed beds or at reed edges, perfectly camouflaged by its green-yellow pattern. When a prey fish comes within range, the attack is lightning-fast - the explosive strike of a large Pike is one of the most thrilling moments freshwater fishing has to offer.
Seasonal Data
Activity patterns of Pike in Finnish waters - peaks in spring and autumn, a summer lull during heat.
Diet Spectrum
Pike is a pure predator. Its diet consists almost exclusively of fish - supplemented by frogs, crayfish and the occasional duckling.
Growth by Age
Pike grow fast and reach enormous sizes. In nutrient-rich Finnish lakes, specimens can exceed one metre in length and 10 kg in weight.
| Age (Years) | Length | Weight | Relative Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15 cm | 25 g | 12% |
| 2 | 28 cm | 180 g | 22% |
| 3 | 40 cm | 500 g | 31% |
| 4 | 50 cm | 1.1 kg | 38% |
| 5 | 60 cm | 2.0 kg | 46% |
| 6 | 70 cm | 3.2 kg | 54% |
| 8 | 85 cm | 5.5 kg | 65% |
| 10+ | 100 cm | 9.0 kg | 77% |
Habitat Requirements
Water Temperature
Optimal for hunting behaviour at 10 - 20 °C. Activity peak in spring and autumn at moderate temperatures.
Structure / Cover
Classic ambush predator. Prefers weed beds, reed edges and submerged wood.
Water Depth
Shallow weed bays in summer; moves to deeper areas in winter. Follows baitfish schools.
Water Type
Prefers still to slow-flowing waters with rich vegetation. Finland's lakes are ideal habitat.
Visibility
Benefits from slight turbidity that supports its camouflage as an ambush predator. Too-clear water makes it more cautious.
Prey Density
Needs a rich supply of prey fish. High cyprinid density (Roach, Bream) is the key to big Pike.
Fishing Techniques for Pike in Finland
Pike can be fooled with a wide variety of methods. In Finland, lure fishing from a boat dominates - large jerkbaits, soft plastics and crankbaits are worked over weed beds and along reed edges.
In winter, when the lakes freeze over, Pike are targeted with deadbait under the ice. The cold months often produce the largest specimens, as trophy Pike concentrate in manageable depth zones.
Jerkbait
Jun - SepLarge, aggressive lures with erratic retrieve. The top method for active Pike in shallow weed bays.
Soft Plastic / Softbait
Year-roundMost versatile lure. From surface to bottom, slow or fast - adapts to any situation.
Crankbait / Wobbler
May - OctTrolling with crankbaits over extensive shallow flats. Covers large areas efficiently.
Deadbait
Nov - MarDead baitfish on the bottom or under the ice. Classic winter method for trophy Pike.
Where to Catch Pike in Finland
Pike are found throughout Finland. These regions are renowned for particularly large specimens and first-class Pike fishing.
Saimaa Lake System
61.5°N, 28.5°EA labyrinth of bays and islands
Europe's fourth-largest lake offers an endless labyrinth of sheltered bays, reed belts and island passages. The ideal Pike landscape with countless holding spots. The shallow, weed-rich bays in particular harbour Pike of exceptional size.
Turku Archipelago Coast
60.2°N, 21.5°EBrackwater Pike of the Baltic
The archipelago off Turku and Åland offers unique brackwater Pike fishing. In spring, large Pike move into shallow bays to spawn. The nutrient-rich Baltic water promotes fast growth and record sizes.
Oulujärvi
64.3°N, 27.2°EWeed bays of the north
Finland's fifth-largest lake with extensive shallow zones and weed beds. The long summer days of the north fuel explosive plant growth - and thus perfect Pike habitat. Less angling pressure than in the south.
Gulf of Bothnia
63.0°N, 22.5°ECoastal Pike in shallow bays
The shallow, sheltered bays of the Bothnian coast are home to a strong Pike population. Especially in spring and early summer, trophy coastal Pike hunt in knee-deep water - spectacular sight fishing is possible.
