Features: The Blue Pike (Sander vitreus glaucus) was an important commercial and sporting fish species in the lower Great Lakes. It was also called Blue Walleye to distinguish it from the more common Walleye (Sander vitreus vitreus). It was a slate-blue colour, and grew to about one kilogram in weight.

Although the Blue Pike was officially declared extinct by the US Fish & Wildlife Service in 1976, sightings of individuals thought to be Blue Pike are reported every now and then by anglers. However, it is likely that these individuals are not the Blue Pike, which was distinguished from the Walleye by having eyes that were larger and closer together, and bluish lower fins (vs. yellowish lower fins). The Blue Pike lived in deeper water, and spawned at different times and places than the Walleye, but hybrids were occasionally encountered.

Status: Extinct

Range: The Blue Pike lived in Lakes Ontario and Erie, and the upper Niagara River. The last confirmed specimen of Blue Pike was taken from Lake Erie in 1965. Range Maps

Threats: The Blue Pike was common in Lake Erie until the 1950s when the population declined dramatically as a result of overfishing. Pollution and the subsequent eutrophication of Lake Erie may have contributed to the final disappearance of the Blue Pike. It is also hypothesized that predation on the young by invasive Rainbow Smelt may have contributed to declines.

Protection: The species has the general protection given by habitat sections of the federal Fisheries Act.

Text Sources: Campbell 1985a; Species at Risk Registry 2008

Last Modified Date: April 2008