With spring on the horizon, many New Jersey anglers are looking forward to getting out on the waterways. One of the most popular freshwater-sport quarries is northern pike, and there are plenty in the state’s central and northern waters. The Passaic River is stocked at 25 locations each year with 2,200 six-inch fingerling pike from the state hatchery.

Anglers have reported catching pike weighing up to 20 pounds and measuring in the low 40-inch range.

Pike are popular for sport because they are tough to catch, can grow quite large, and can be caught from shore or boat by a variety of methods. These include spinners, float tubes, and fly-fishing. Anglers may keep two northern pike per day if they measure at least 24 inches.