The northern pike of the Red River is indeed the same as the fish found spread throughout lakes and rivers across the northern part of North America, but its habits and choice of habitat can vary greatly. The main factors in these differences come down to water clarity and current or wave activity. The stained waters of the Red mean that, like other species in the Red River, must rely on other senses more heavily then their sight if they want to find prey.  While Northern pike do not have the same great sense of smell in stained water the pike can still make uses of its lateral line, which is an extremly sensitive line of sensors that detect vibration and turn them into electrical signals. These signals can help find struggling prey, or detect danger of an upcoming fishing boat. Although even Pike in clear water still rely on their lateral line, they do rely on sight much more for detecting danger or prey.   Wave activity also plays a bigger part in Pike behavior with those living in lakes, where as the Pike found in rivers are more effected by water level. Also due to pressure from human activity, in some areas pike are forced to feed at night to avoid them, and the stirring action of  boats causing pike to adapt to have sight play no part in their hunting.

  

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