Blue Pike
(Sander vitreus glaucus)
The blue pike was once a very important sport and food fish in Lake Erie. In the 1950's the annual commercial catch in Lake Erie ranged from 2-26 million pounds per year. The fishery collapsed in 1959 and they had completely disappeared by 1971.
Description
The blue pike was very similar to the Walleye in appearance. They had larger eyes and a smaller maximum size. Their over all body color was more silvery blue compared to that of the walleye. They had no yellow or brassy coloration to their body, and the fins were also blue or silvery in color.
Habitat and Habits
The blue pike inhabited the deeper and clearer waters of the eastern two thirds of Lake Erie. It was less common in the shallower waters of the western basin, especially in summer. The blue pike has not been seen since the mid to late 1960's and as a result is considered to have become extirpated from Lake Erie. Additionally since this fish has never been found outside of Lake Erie it is now considered to be Extinct.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
The blue pike presumably spawned on the reefs and other such rocky areas in the western basin of Lake Erie. No individuals were ever recorded from any Lake Erie tributary rivers so apparently their spawning was restricted to the lake itself.