Welcome to our Northern Pike Fishing Home Page

Northern pike are one of the most exciting freshwater fish to catch.  Whether they are attacking a lure next to the boat or trying to steal your walleye that you’re trying to catch, northern pike can always make your day on the water a little more exciting.  At times, pike can be fairly easy to catch because they will hit such a wide variety of live baits and artificial lures and at other times, they may seem tough to catch just like any other fish out there.  To learn more about northern pike, we have tons of content in this section for you.


Northern Pike Fishing Tips


There are a few things that you need to know about northern pike that will greatly improve your chances to catch more of these fish.  Take a look below to learn more about northern pike.

You can go directly to our Northern Pike Fishing Tips page to see just the links to the appropriate categories.


Habitat


Northern pike prefer cold water, but they can be found in a variety of different habitats as long as they have enough cool water and good oxygen levels.  Up north, pike are found in smaller lakes, large lakes, clear water, murky water, in streams and rivers.  Pike prefer vegetation, but you will find plenty of pike around rocks, wood, sand, mud and they often are found roaming deeper waters offshore as well.

Learn more about the different types of cover and structure where you will find and catch more northern pike.


Northern Pike Have Super Sharp Teeth


Pike can easily bite through fishing line and will tear through your flesh as well if you give them a chance.  Make sure you bring some pre-tied leaders on the boat or you need to learn how to tie your own leaders to avoid the bite-offs.  Also, bring a good pair of needle nose pliers to help get the hooks out of their mouths without getting yourself bloody.

Learn more about using leaders for northern pike fishing.


Northern Pike Love the Weeds


Pike love weeds and there are a variety of weeds to fish.  Cabbage and reeds tend to be best when it comes to pike fishing.  The bays usually will have more vegetation on most lakes, so seek out the bays first if you’re searching for the weeds.  Find some deeper weed edges in these areas and you’ll most likely do much better.


Pike Love Flashy Lures


Any lure with a spinner on it will usually do a good job of attracting plenty of pike.  Obviously, you have to get the size right and present the bait in the right place, but the flashier the better when fishing for northern pike.  Some of the most popular flashy lures are casting spoons, trolling spoons, inline spinners, bucktail spinners, spinnerbaits and bladed swim jigs.


Pike Prefer Colder Water


Northern pike are found up north where there is plenty of cold water available to them.  Not only are they found in colder climates, but these fish feed really well in cold water, so they give anglers some options for finding active fish even when it is cold outside.


Pike Have Y-Bones Which Makes Filleting Them More Difficult


Northern pike taste excellent, however, many people do not eat them due to their Y-Bones.  These bones are a pain in the butt compared to filleting a walleye, so many anglers just release northern pike.  For anglers that learn how to fillet these fish, you will be rewarded with a very tasty fish to eat.


Some of the Best Pike Fishing is up North


The best pike fishing destinations are going to be found up north.  Whether you are looking to catch large numbers of northern pike or big fish, you’re going to be looking at our featured fishing destinations located in the northern part of the United States and in Canada.

Best Pike Fishing Destinations



Let’s Dive Deeper So You Can Catch More Northern Pike


Best Baits for Northern Pike


Soft Baits


Hard Baits


Live Baits


Best Northern Pike Fishing Rigs


Best Northern Pike Fishing Rigs


Best Northern Pike Fishing Techniques


Best Fishing Techniques for Northern Pike


Catch Big Northern Pike


Catch Big Northern Pike


Catch Lots of Northern Pike


Catch Lots of Northern Pike


Fishing Line Recommendations


Fishing line can vary depending on if you are fishing clear water, murky water, rivers or lakes, so make sure to take a look at our fishing line recommendations for northern pike page to learn more.


Fishing Rod & Reel Recommendations


While you can go light when targeting smaller pike, you will need to upsize your fishing rod and reel if you want to consistently target bigger northern pike, especially when casting or jigging larger lures.

Northern Pike Fishing Rod & Reel Recommendations


Seasons


As the seasons change, northern pike move from deep to shallow back to deep.  Learn where they can usually be found as they transition throughout the different seasons every year.

Learn about Northern Pike Fishing Through the Different Seasons


Time of Day


Learn how the Time of Day Affects Northern Pike Fishing


Types of Water


Learn about catching Northern Pike in the Different Types of Water.


Water Depths


Learn how to catch Northern Pike through the Different Water Columns.


Weather


Weather plays a role with northern pike just like it does with other fish.  Learn how northern pike react to the sun, clouds, wind, rain and other weather variables so you can put more fish in the boat.

Learn more about How the Weather Affects Northern Pike Fishing