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Pikes are distinguished by their green body, yellow eye, duckbill-like snout, forked tail fin and dorsal and anal fins located far back on the body. Pikes are large, predatory fishes.
muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)Illinois Range: statewide
Size: average 30" long
Habitat: lakes, creeks, rivers
Food: fishes, crayfish, frogs, ducklings, small mammals, snakes
Best Lures: minnows, jerk baits, jigs, crank baits, spoons, spinners
northern pike (Esox lucius)
Illinois Range: all except the southeastern one-fourth of the state and the southern tip of the state
Size: up to 53" long
Habitat: rivers, lakes, marshes
Food: crayfish, insects, fishes, frogs, reptiles
Best Lures: minnows, jerk baits, jigs, crank baits, spoons, spinners
tiger muskie (Esox lucius) x
(Esox masquinongy) or
(Esox masquinongy) x
(Esox lucius)Illinois Range: stocked in many locations throughout the state
Size: up to 53" long
Habitat: rivers, lakes
Food: fishes, crayfish, frogs, ducklings, small mammals, snakes
Best Lures: minnows, jerk baits, jigs, crank baits, spoons, spinners
