Pike caught on camera in Chicago

A new video of a large pike swimming in the Chicago River is making the rounds on social media. The video was shot by local resident Nathan Klima and uploaded to YouTube on Monday, March 26.

"This is the most epic thing I've ever seen in Chicago – a big ass pike just cruising down the river," Klima wrote in the video description.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has confirmed that the fish in the video is a pike, according to ABC 7 Chicago. IDNR spokeswoman Michelle Touchette said that pike are not native to the Chicago River and are likely someone's pet that was released into the river.

Pike can grow up to four feet long and weigh up to 40 pounds. They are considered an invasive species in Illinois and can do serious damage to populations of other fish.

The IDNR advises anyone who sees a pike in Illinois waters to not attempt to catch it and instead report its location to www.ifishillinois.com.

Pike found in local creek

Anglers and other residents in the area around Spring Creek, east of Fort Collins, were excited to recently discover a new 20-inch pike lurking in the creek. This is the first time that this species of fish has been caught in this small creek.

Experts believe that the pike was likely introduced to the creek by someone releasing them into the waterway from a private pond or aquarium. The Colorado Division of Wildlife is asking anglers and other people recreating in the area around Spring Creek to be on the lookout for any more of these large fish and to report any sightings immediately.

Pikes are a predatory fish that can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh over 30 pounds. They are known for their sharp teeth and voracious appetite, which can make them a dangerous predator to other fish in rivers and streams. Anglers are encouraged to release any pikes they catch back into the water so that they can continue to thrive in their new home.

Pike becoming more common in Central Pa.4. Pike invade Pennsylvania fishing spots

Invasive pike are becoming more common in central Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Pike, a native of Northern Europe and Asia, are an aggressive predator that can reach lengths of up to four feet. The fish can quickly overrun a fishery, outcompeting other fish for food.

The commission is asking anglers to be on the lookout for pike and to report any sightings. Pike can be identified by their long dorsal fin and torpedo-shaped body.

Anglers are also warned not to release pike into any waters where they are not naturally found, as this could lead to the spread of the invasive species.

Pike were first introduced into Pennsylvania in the early 1900s when some were released into Swatara Creek near Harrisburg. Since then, pike have been established in many parts of the state, including the Poconos, Erie and Lake Erie regions.

5. Anglers catch record pike

An angler out fishing on Wednesday morning caught a new state record pike.

The previous record pike had been caught in 2004 by Ron McDowell, also from Winsted. That fish weighed 28 pounds, 8 ounces. The new record-holder's pike weighed in at 30 pounds, 12 ounces.

The huge fish was caught on the opening day of the Connecticut open water fishing season on Lillinonah Lake in Morris. The angler was using a black bullhead as bait.

"This is really a once-in-a-lifetime kind of fish," noted Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) fisheries biologist Paul Bologna. "It's really exciting to see this kind of angling success story. This just goes to show that there are still some big fish out there to be caught."

Lillinonah Lake is one of Connecticut's premier trophy fishing destinations for northern pike, with many fish weighing over 20 pounds. Pike can be taken throughout the lake but are most commonly targeted around the rocky points and shoals. Anglers are advised to use medium- to heavy-action tackle when pursuing these fish, as they can test line and gear to the limit.