Northern Pike Fishing Tips

Northern Pike Fishing Tips for a Successful Catch

Northern pike are aggressive, hard-fighting fish known for their explosive strikes and sharp teeth. Whether you're fishing in lakes, rivers, or reservoirs, these tips will help you land more pike and improve your overall fishing experience.

1. Find the Right Location

• Spring & Early Summer: Look for pike in shallow bays, weed beds, and near river inlets.
• Mid-Summer: As water temperatures rise, pike move to deeper water near drop-offs, submerged structures, and cooler currents.
• Fall: They return to shallower waters, feeding aggressively before winter.
• Winter (Ice Fishing): Fish near submerged vegetation, rocky points, or under the ice along depth transitions.

2. Use the Right Lures & Baits

• Spinnerbaits & Bucktails: Excellent for covering large areas quickly.
• Crankbaits & Jerkbaits: Mimic injured fish and trigger reaction strikes.
• Spoons: Classic choice for pike, especially in deeper water.
• Soft Plastics & Swimbaits: Effective when rigged weedless in heavy cover.
• Live Bait (for Trophy Pike): Use large minnows, suckers, or dead bait on quick-strike rigs.

3. Choose the Right Gear

• Rod & Reel: A medium-heavy to heavy rod (6.5–8 ft) with a strong baitcasting or spinning reel.
• Line: Use 30-50 lb braided line for durability and strength.
• Leaders: Always use a steel or fluorocarbon leader (30-80 lb test) to prevent bite-offs.

4. Master Retrieval Techniques

• Steady Retrieve: Works well with spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
• Stop & Go: Pausing jerkbaits and swimbaits can trigger reaction strikes.
• Figure-Eight Technique: At the boat or shore, move your lure in a figure-eight motion to entice following pike.

5. Fish During Prime Conditions

• Best Times: Early morning and late evening are ideal for active feeding.
• Weather Factors: Overcast, slightly windy, or cooler days often produce better results.

6. Handle & Release Pike Safely

• Use long-nose pliers to remove hooks quickly.
• Wet your hands before handling to protect the fish's slime coating.
• Support the fish horizontally, avoiding excessive gill handling.
• If releasing, revive the fish in the water before letting it swim away.

7. Stay Safe & Prepared

• Always carry jaw spreaders and wire cutters for deeply hooked fish.
• Keep a strong grip—pike can thrash unexpectedly.
• Use gloves to prevent cuts from their sharp teeth and gill plates.

By using these techniques, you'll increase your chances of landing big northern pike and have a more rewarding fishing experience.