Side by Side

Muskie Esox masquinongy

Typical: 34–46 in, 12–30 lb

Quickest tell: Muskie show DARK markings on a LIGHT body, a scaleless lower cheek/gill cover, pointed tail tips, and 6-9 jaw pores per side, the reverse of pike (light spots on dark, scaled cheek, 5 or fewer pores, rounded tail tips).

• Long body, light silver-green to olive with dark markings
• Dark bars or spots on a LIGHT background (or nearly clear)
• Pointed, sharply tapered tail lobes
• Lower half of cheek and gill cover scaleless
• 6-9 sensory pores per side of the lower jaw
• Duck-bill snout with large teeth

Full Muskie guide — season, gear and rules →

Northern Pike Esox lucius

Typical: 20–30 in, 2–8 lb

Quickest tell: Pike show LIGHT spots on a DARK background, a fully scaled cheek, and 5 or fewer jaw pores; muskie reverse it (dark marks on a light body, scaleless lower cheek) with 6-9 pores per side.

• Long torpedo body, green to olive
• Light bean-shaped spots on a darker background
• Single soft dorsal set far back near the tail
• Duck-bill snout with large teeth
• Cheek fully scaled, gill cover scaled on upper half only
• 5 or fewer sensory pores per side of the lower jaw

Full Northern Pike guide — season, gear and rules →

When Each Is Running July — current month highlighted

Where Muskie and Northern Pike Overlap

Both run in Great Lakes — that is where telling them apart actually matters.

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