Are pike and walleye the same? I got into an argument with a buddy…I say they are different, he swears they are the same.

Pike and walleye are not the same. In fact they are often considered to be arch enemies of one another in the water. Perhaps your friend was confused by the fact that walleye are often referred to as yellow pike or walleyed pike. This name references is often misleading. Walleye are not pikeperch or pickerel fish but rather yellow walleye for the yellowish tint that is present in the scale colors. The eyes of walleye are what give it the distinction from pike or other species of fish. Walleye eyes are capable of reflecting light much like that of a cat at night. For this reason the fish sees extremely well at night. As a result of the enhanced night vision, walleye are often the most active at night. Other visual vantage points come from seeing in stained or rough waters. This gives the walleye a distinct advantage over its prey in feeding situations. Pike on the other hand maintain a white or yellow tint on the belly with spots covering the remainder of the body. Unlike the walleye eye sight, pike maintain extra sized pores on the underside of the jawbone and head area. These sensory pockets help pike locate prey at feeding times. Pike are generally found in the northeastern portion of the country. That is where the name Northern Pike comes from. Walleye can be found in the Northeastern United States as well as some southern regions. The only similarity between walleye and pike is the manner in which they stalk prey. Both fish species like to hang out behind various structures to scope out an area without being detected. Crank baits are also at the top of the menu selection list for both fish as well. There is no doubt about it. Pike and walleye are certainly two separate species of fish that prove to be a challenge in catching either one at the end of a fishing line.