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Freshwater fish

Northern pike

Esox lucius

Get to know the species, browse the recorded inland fishing grounds and check the rules.

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Northern pike
Georg Mittenecker (Wikimedia Commons) · source

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Check the closed season

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Check regional rules

Check the local regulations.

Where is Northern pike caught?

Review the possible records on the map.

Recorded inland fishing grounds

2,976
Lakes and rivers
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A listed spot is not a guarantee of a catch.

Lakes and rivers

Season and suitable conditions

Check the season information for the region you chose.

Peak months: Sep, Oct, Nov

Season information is no guarantee of a catch.

Fishing rules for Türkiye

Türkiye

Minimum size
40 cm
Maximum quantity
5 fish

Closed season: 15 December – 31 March

Single-species or mixed total; details and exceptions are in the regulation.

Legal basis: 6/2 md. 11 – Çizelge 5 communiqué text

Species size/quantity limit

6/2 md. 11 – Çizelge 5

Fish below the size limit or above the quantity limit may not be retained.

The table in our records

Minimum size
40 cm
Maximum quantity
5 fish
Gear and method
Rod and line
Exception
A 5% undersize exception on the size limits; the total 5 kg rule for kg species

The article text is taken from the communiqué. The table above was carried into our own records from the relevant rows of the communiqué and may be abridged. The official publication is what binds. Official communiqué (PDF) →

Legal basis: 6/2 md. 11/7 – Çizelge 6 communiqué text

Regional closed season

6/2 md. 11/7 – Çizelge 6

Catching and retaining are prohibited during the stated period.

The table in our records

Closed season
15 December – 31 March
Gear and method
All recreational fishing including rod and line
Exception
The start and end days are included in the ban

The article text is taken from the communiqué. The table above was carried into our own records from the relevant rows of the communiqué and may be abridged. The official publication is what binds. Official communiqué (PDF) →

Before you go, check local area and method restrictions.

Species profile

Northern pike
Scientific name
Esox lucius
Water type
Freshwater

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum size for Northern pike?

In recreational angling the minimum catch size for Northern pike is 40 cm. Fish below that length have to be returned to the water. Legal basis: 6/2 md. 11 – Çizelge 5.

Which seas is Northern pike found in?

In our records Northern pike appears in these seas: Lakes and rivers — Switzerland, Lakes and rivers — Northern Germany, Lakes and rivers — Southern Germany, Lakes and rivers — North-West France, Lakes and rivers — North-East France, Lakes and rivers — Southwestern France, Lakes and rivers — Southeastern France, Lakes and rivers — Eastern Germany, Lakes and rivers — Western Germany, Lakes and rivers — Netherlands, Lakes and rivers — Belgium, Lakes and rivers — Central Spain, Lakes and rivers — Southern Spain, Lakes and rivers — Northern Poland, Lakes and rivers — Southern Poland, Lakes and rivers — Western Romania, Lakes and rivers — Eastern Romania, Lakes and rivers — Bulgaria, Lakes and rivers — Czechia, Lakes and rivers — Slovakia, Lakes and rivers — Hungary, Lakes and rivers — Serbia, Lakes and rivers — Kosovo, Lakes and rivers — North Macedonia, Lakes and rivers — Luxembourg, Lakes and rivers — Austria.

In which months is Northern pike at its peak?

Peak periods by sea: Lakes and rivers — Southern Germany September–November; Lakes and rivers — Western Germany September–November; Lakes and rivers — Northern Germany September–November; Lakes and rivers — Eastern Germany September–November; Lakes and rivers — North-East France May–November; Lakes and rivers — Southeastern France September–November; Lakes and rivers — Southwestern France May, June, August, September, October, November; Lakes and rivers — North-West France May–August; Lakes and rivers — Netherlands February, June, September, October, November, December; Lakes and rivers — Belgium August–November; Lakes and rivers — Central Spain March, April, May, June, September, October, November; Lakes and rivers — Southern Spain March, April, May, June, September, October, November; Lakes and rivers — Bulgaria September–December; Lakes and rivers — Western Romania September–November; Lakes and rivers — Eastern Romania September–November; Lakes and rivers — Austria June–November; Lakes and rivers — Switzerland September–November; Lakes and rivers — Northern Poland May–November; Lakes and rivers — Southern Poland May, June, August, September, October, November; Lakes and rivers — Czechia September–November; Lakes and rivers — Slovakia September–December; Lakes and rivers — Hungary September–December; Lakes and rivers — Serbia September–December; Lakes and rivers — Kosovo March, September, October, November, December; Lakes and rivers — North Macedonia September–December; Lakes and rivers — Luxembourg September–November.

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Open the inland waters map
Open the inland waters map · 12,161 fishing grounds

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