Fishing Tips: How To Catch Northern Pike

Northern Pike

Moderate to large, up to 55 lbs.

Medium to heavy rods.

Moderate.

Moderate, aggressive predators but widely fished.

Widespread in northern temperate regions.

Uncommon

More photos of Northern Pike.

Northern Pike are one of the most aggressive freshwater fish, known for their ambush predation style and sharp teeth. These fish are found in cold, clear, shallow waters with abundant vegetation across North America and Europe. Pike are opportunistic feeders and can be caught using a variety of techniques, including casting large lures, trolling, and dead baiting.

The key to successful pike fishing is understanding their behavior, particularly their preference for ambushing prey from cover.

Baits For Catching Northern Pike:

Large Minnows (Shiners)

Large minnows, such as shiners, are an excellent live bait choice. Their natural swimming action a...

Large minnows, such as shiners, are an excellent live bait choice. Their natural swimming action and scent make them highly attractive. Hooking them through the back or lips allows them to move freely and entice predatory strikes. They are particularly effective when fished near weed beds, drop-offs, or other structures where predatory fish lurk.
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Mepps Giant Killer

The Mepps Giant Killer is an inline spinner specifically designed for targeting large predatory fi...

The Mepps Giant Killer is an inline spinner specifically designed for targeting large predatory fish. Its oversized blade creates significant flash and vibration, attracting predators from a distance. The lure's durable construction and large profile make it ideal for use in heavy cover and deeper waters where predatory fish are often found.
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Rapala Shad Rap

The Rapala Shad Rap is designed to dive to specific depths, making it ideal for targeting fish at ...

The Rapala Shad Rap is designed to dive to specific depths, making it ideal for targeting fish at different levels in the water column. It creates a wobbling action that mimics injured baitfish, triggering predatory strikes from species like walleye, bass, and pike. Available in various sizes, colors, and patterns, the Rapala Shad Rap is a versatile lure that can be used in many fishing environments.
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Savage Gear 3D Real Eel

The Savage Gear 3D Real Eel is a soft plastic lure designed to imitate the natural movement of an ...

The Savage Gear 3D Real Eel is a soft plastic lure designed to imitate the natural movement of an eel, a common prey item. Its lifelike action and detailed design make it a favorite among anglers. The lure can be fished slowly along the bottom or retrieved at various speeds to provoke strikes. The realistic swimming action and profile make it highly effective in both clear and murky waters.
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Suckers

Suckers are another highly effective live bait. Their larger size and lively movement make them ir...

Suckers are another highly effective live bait. Their larger size and lively movement make them irresistible. Hooking them behind the dorsal fin or through the nose ensures they remain lively and attract predators from a distance. Suckers are especially useful in deeper waters and during colder months when fish are more lethargic.
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More Thoughts on Baits: When fishing for Northern Pike, using large and vibrant lures can significantly increase your chances of success. Pike are attracted to movement and flashes that suggest an easy meal. In waters with high visibility, using lures that closely mimic the local fish can be particularly effective.

Gear To Use For Catching Northern Pike:

Gear Type	Specifications	Purpose
Rod/Reel	Medium-heavy to heavy action rod with a durable baitcasting or spinning reel.	Suitable for handling the powerful strikes and fights of pike.
Line	20-30 lb test braided line or heavy monofilament.	Offers the strength and abrasion resistance needed for pike’s sharp teeth.
Leader	Steel or heavy fluorocarbon leader.	Essential to prevent bite-offs from sharp teeth.
Hook	Size 1/0-3/0 hooks, depending on the bait or lure size.	Adequate for securing large baits and ensuring solid hooksets.

More Thoughts on Gear:

Northern Pike are known for their ability to bite through fishing lines due to their sharp teeth, so using a steel or heavy-duty leader is crucial. The rest of the tackle should also be robust enough to handle the size and strength of the fish, especially when targeting larger specimens.

Best Time Of Year To Catch / Weather Conditions:

The best times to catch Northern Pike are during the spring immediately after ice-out and during the fall as they bulk up for winter. During these times, pike are highly active and more likely to be found in shallower waters.

Most Active Feeding Times: Northern Pike are typically most active during the early morning and late evening hours. These periods often coincide with lower light conditions, which pike use to their advantage when hunting.

How To Identify If You Caught Northern Pike: Northern Pike can be identified by their elongated body, light greenish to yellowish body color with darker, short, bar-like spots. They have a distinctive duckbill-shaped snout and a single dorsal fin located far back near the tail, which helps in their swift predatory movements. Pike also have very sharp teeth evident upon inspection. For more detailed identification or to confirm your catch, you might consult local fishing guides or use resources like the Catchpedia Fish Identifier.