The northern pike (Esox lucius) is a predatory freshwater fish renowned for its elongated body, sharp teeth, and aggressive hunting style, making it a prized catch among anglers. Native to the cooler waters of the Northern Hemisphere, the northern pike thrives in lakes, rivers, and marshes across Europe, Russia, and North America. The top countries for northern pike fishing include Russia, Canada, Sweden, Finland, and the United States, particularly in regions with abundant freshwater habitats. In these countries, pike fishing supports both recreational and commercial industries, with Russia and Canada leading in terms of wild harvest and export. Meanwhile, Scandinavian nations like Sweden and Finland are celebrated for their sustainable management and vibrant sport fishing tourism, drawing anglers from around the world eager to land trophy-sized pike.
Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Russian Federation | 22,442 |
2 | Finland | 6,907 |
3 | Uzbekistan | 1,754 |
4 | Sweden | 1,744 |
5 | Kazakhstan | 1,509 |
6 | Canada | 1,080 |
7 | Estonia | 173 |
8 | Germany | 167 |
9 | Switzerland | 142 |
10 | Türkiye | 99 |
11 | Czechia | 94 |
12 | Ukraine | 88 |
13 | Hungary | 81 |
13 | Serbia | 81 |
15 | Romania | 55 |
16 | Slovakia | 45 |
17 | Belarus | 21 |
18 | Latvia | 19 |
19 | Croatia | 13 |
20 | Slovenia | 11 |
21 | Greece | 8 |
22 | Belgium | 7 |
23 | Poland | 6 |
24 | Denmark | 5 |
25 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | 3 |
25 | Lithuania | 3 |
27 | Portugal | 1 |
27 | Azerbaijan | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.