Idaho Angler Lands New State-Record Northern Pike Keith Lusher 07.30.26Idaho’s streak of record-breaking fish continues after an angler landed a massive northern pike that now holds the state’s catch-and-release record. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game announced that Timothy Hicks set the new record after catching a 49.75-inch northern pike on June 13 while fishing Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho. Lake Pend Oreille has become known for producing trophy-sized northern pike, although the species is considered invasive in the lake. There are currently no size or bag limits on northern pike in Lake Pend Oreille, and anglers are encouraged to harvest any they catch. Covering nearly 93,000 acres, Lake Pend Oreille has developed a reputation for holding large northern pike alongside its more famous trout fisheries.