The Bemidji area is loaded with lakes and many of them offer good fishing for northern pike. This area is known more for its excellent walleye fishing, but there are plenty of anglers that target northern pike up here as well. You can catch pike in Lake Bemidji, Lake Plantagenet and some of the other lakes around Bemidji such as Gull Lake, Blackduck Lake and Cass Lake. Many anglers that are looking for a trophy pike in this area will head over to Leech Lake or Lake Winni. These lakes have good numbers of pike and they give you a better chance of catching a pike in the mid to upper 30 inch range.
Take a look below to learn about the lakes in this area that have northern pike in them.
Big Lake
Big Lake totals 3,592 acres with a maximum depth of 35 feet. It is located 12 miles east of Bemidji in Beltrami County. Big Lake lies within the Chippewa National Forest. There is a USFS public water access consisting of a single lane concrete boat ramp with parking for about 12 trucks/trailers located on the east shore of the lake off of CSAH 33 (Mission Road). This lake has a variety of fish to target. Fish include muskie, walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch. This lake is known as a quality muskie fishery with the opportunity to catch a 50 inch fish a real possibility on this lake.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Big Turtle Lake
Big Turtle Lake is a 1,436-acre lake with a maximum depth of 45 feet. It is located 7 miles north of Bemidji in Beltrami County. Big Turtle Lake is part of a chain of 11 lakes known as the Turtle River Chain and is directly connected to Little Turtle Lake (upstream) and Movil Lake (downstream), both of which can be safely accessed by boat from Big Turtle. Public access consists of a concrete, single lane boat ramp with parking for about 10 trucks/trailers located on the west shore of the lake off of CSAH 15. This site serves as the public access for all three lakes. This lake is a popular walleye and northern pike lake in the Bemidji area. Anglers can also target largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Blackduck Lake
Blackduck Lake is a 2,596-acre lake with a maximum depth of 28 feet. The lake is located 1 mile west of the city of Blackduck in Beltrami County. There is a DNR public water access located on the eastern shore of the lake off of County Road 30. There are several fishing resorts and a modest number of lake homes along the lake here. This lake has been known as a quality walleye and northern pike lake with other fish such as largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Campbell Lake
Campbell Lake totals 475 acres and it has a maximum depth of 25 feet. This lake is located 12 miles northwest of Bemidji in Beltrami County. Campbell Lake is one of 11 connected lakes known as the Turtle River Chain, although navigation between all lakes in the chain is not possible with much more than a canoe. There is a concrete boat ramp with parking for about six trucks/trailers located on the south shore of the lake. This lake has been a good northern pike lake for action, but most pike do run on the small side. Other fish include walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Cass Lake
Cass Lake is a glacially-formed lake that is located within the Chippewa National Forest and the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in north central Minnesota. The lake is a part of the Cass Lake Chain of Lakes which consists of 9 different lakes, two river flowages and approximately 26,000 acres of water. Cass Lake is a popular vacation destination for swimming, boating and fishing. The chain of lakes are known for its excellent walleye and muskie fishing. Trophy walleye and muskie can be caught regularly if you know where to locate them. Northern pike, bass, perch and other panfish are also available.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Fox Lake
Fox Lake is a smaller lake on the Turtle River Chain. This lake totals 154 acres and it is a well protected lake with a campground on the lake called Fox Lake called Hamilton’s Fox Lake Campground. Anglers can fish for northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Garfield Lake
Garfield Lake is located in northeastern Hubbard County, adjacent to the town of Laporte. Garfield Lake has a surface area of 979 acres and a maximum depth of 32 feet. There is a city-owned public access located on the southwest shore of the lake. This lake is a popular lake for walleye and northern pike. Other fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Grace Lake
Grace Lake is an 887-acre lake located 8 miles southeast of Bemidji on the Beltrami-Hubbard County line. The maximum depth is 42 feet. There is a concrete boat ramp with parking for about 10 trucks/trailers located on the north shore of the lake. Grace Lake is a popular fishing lake for a variety of fish. This lake is heavily developed and it gets quite a bit of fishing pressure, but it continues to put up quality numbers of game fish such as walleye and northern pike. Other fish include bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Gull Lake
Gull Lake totals 2,243 acres with a maximum depth of 23 feet. It is located near the town of Tenstrike in south-central Beltrami County. There is a DNR owned public access on the west arm of the lake off of County Road 23 with a concrete ramp and dock, but parking is somewhat limited. There are some fishing resorts, campgrounds and some homes/cabins along its lakeshore. Gull Lake has a good amount of emergent and submergent vegetation with some excellent fishing for walleye and northern pike to go along with several other species of fish to target such as bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Kabekona Lake
Kabekona Lake is located 3 miles south of Laporte in northeastern Hubbard County. Kabekona has a surface area of 2,252 acres and a maximum depth of 133 feet. A county-owned public access is located on the west shore of the lake. Kabekona offers good fishing for walleye and northern pike. Other fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Kitchi Lake
Kitchi Lake is one of several connected lakes joined via the Mississippi and Turtle rivers that comprise the Cass Lake chain of lakes. Kitchi Lake has a limited amount of residential development along its lakeshore, although there are several resorts available here. This lake totals 1,785 acres with a maximum depth of 50 feet. There is no public boat ramp on Kitchi Lake; however, boaters can access the lake by following the Turtle River upstream from the north side of Cass Lake. Fish include walleye, northern pike, muskie, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Lake Andrusia
Lake Andrusia is one of several connected lakes joined via the Mississippi and Turtle Rivers that comprise the Cass Lake chain of lakes. Andrusia supports a moderate amount of residential development along its lakeshore, including several resorts. It is a 1,590 acre lake with a 60 foot maximum depth. There is a USFS public access at the north end of the lake, just off of County Road 12 (Power Dam Road). Lake Andrusia is a good fishing lake for walleye and northern pike. Other fish include muskie, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Lake Beltrami
Lake Beltrami totals 722 acres with a maximum depth of 50 feet. It is located 10 miles north of Bemidji in Beltrami County. Lake Beltrami is one of 11 connected lakes known as the Turtle River Chain. There is a single lane, concrete boat ramp located on the south shore of the lake. This lake has a very diverse fishery. Anglers can target walleye, northern pike, muskie, largemouth, smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Lake Bemidji
Lake Bemidji is a 6,420 acre lake with a maximum depth of 76 feet located adjacent to the city of Bemidji in southern Beltrami County. There are a total of six public boat landings located primarily on the north and west shores of the lake. Lake Bemidji is part of a connected system of lakes which includes Lake Irving upstream and Stump Lake downstream on the Mississippi River. Both of these lakes are readily accessible from Lake Bemidji and provide additional varied angling opportunities.
This lake is known as a quality muskie fishery with fish up to and above 50 inches available here. The walleye fishing is also very good on Lake Bemidji. Other fish include northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Lake Irving
Lake Irving is a natural lake on the Mississippi River system located within the city of Bemidji in southern Beltrami County. There is a public water access located on the north end of the lake adjacent to the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The lake is easily accessible from Lake Bemidji via a short trip up the Mississippi River, although boaters should navigate with caution in the area of the river channel and outlet of Lake Irving due to old railroad pilings that are still present. Lake Irving has been a good walleye lake and it also has northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch available.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Lake Julia
Lake Julia is a 450-acre lake with a maximum depth of 43 feet. The lake is located about 10 miles north of Bemidji in central Beltrami County. There is a DNR public access on the north end of the lake off of county road 26. The DNR manages the lake for walleye, northern pike and yellow perch. Other fish include bluegill, crappie, rock bass and largemouth bass.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Lake Marquette
Lake Marquette is a 504-acre natural lake with a maximum depth of 51 feet located one mile south of Bemidji in southern Beltrami County. The lake is part of the Schoolcraft River system and has connectivity with Lake Plantagenet upstream and the Mississippi River and associated lakes downstream. Since there is no public water access on Lake Marquette, boaters must access the lake via Lake Irving in Bemidji, travel up the Mississippi River approximately one mile to Carr Lake, then up the Schoolcraft River a short distance to Marquette given adequate water levels. An undeveloped public access near the outlet of Lake Plantagenet offers a shorter alternative route downstream to Lake Marquette although this is more suited to non-motorized watercraft.
The fishing is good on the lake. Anglers can target good numbers of walleye and northern pike. Other fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Lake Plantagenet
Lake Plantagenet is a 2,529 acre lake with a maximum depth of 65 feet located in northern Hubbard County about 5 miles south of Bemidji, MN. There are two public boat landings on the lake and a moderate amount of lakeshore development exists on the lake. Lake Plantagenet is a popular fishing lake. Walleye numbers are good in this lake. Muskie are also available and there are some very big fish up to and above 50 inches here. Northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch round out the fishery on Lake Plantagenet.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Leech Lake
Leech Lake is located mainly within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and completely within the Chippewa National Forest in north central Minnesota. The Lake is one of the most popular tourism destinations in all of Minnesota. There are numerous recreational opportunities here such as fishing, boating, hunting, golfing, hiking, biking and much more. You will find a variety of accommodations here to fit your needs.
Little Turtle Lake
Little Turtle Lake totals 464 acres with a maximum depth of 25 feet. It is located 10 miles north of Bemidji in Beltrami County. Little Turtle Lake is part of a chain of 11 lakes known as the Turtle River Chain and it is connected to Big Turtle Lake and Movil Lake. Public access on Little Turtle Lake consists of a carry-in location on an Aquatic Management Area (walking access only) off of CSAH 15 at the outlet of the lake. Most people access Little Turtle Lake via the river channel from Big Turtle Lake, which has a single lane concrete boat ramp and parking. Most anglers target northern pike and walleye in this lake. Other fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Little Wolf Lake
Little Wolf Lake totals 490 acres with a maximum depth of 24 feet. The access does not have an improved ramp, and launching is in the creek channel which may cause problems for large boats. The access is closed during night time hours and parking space is limited. Although the outlet creek connects to Big Wolf Lake, the waterway is not navigable by motor boat. This lake is managed for walleye, muskie, bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass. Other fish include northern pike, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Medicine Lake
Medicine Lake is a 446-acre lake with a maximum depth of 44 feet. There is a DNR public access on the east end of the lake off county road 23. The DNR manages Medicine Lake for walleye, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass. Other fish include rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Midge Lake
Midge Lake totals 520 acres with a maximum depth of 24 feet. This lake is located 10 miles southeast of Bemidji in Hubbard County. There is a concrete boat ramp with parking for about six trucks/trailers. Most of this lake is less than 10 feet deep, which makes it prone to winter kills, which periodically kill species that are intolerant of low oxygen levels such as sunfish, largemouth bass, black crappie and walleye. The DNR restocks the lake after this occurs, but it does take a few years to get back on track. When this lake goes several years without a winter kill, the fishing can be good for a variety of fish. Anglers can target northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Movil Lake
Movil Lake totals 923 acres and has a maximum depth of 50 feet. It is located 5 miles north of Bemidji in Beltrami County. Movil Lake is part of a chain of eleven lakes known as the Turtle River chain. There is no public water access on Movil Lake, so boaters must access from Big Turtle Lake, which is directly upstream and connected by a navigable river channel. Anglers target northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Steamboat Lake
Steamboat Lake totals 1775 acres and has a maximum depth of 93 feet. It is located near Cass Lake, MN there is a DNR-owned public access on the northeast shore just off Highway 371. The fishing is good in this lake for a variety of fish. Anglers can target walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Three Island Lake
Three Island Lake totals 722 acres with a maximum depth of 25 feet. It is located 12 miles northeast of Bemidji in Beltrami County. Three Island Lake is one of eleven connected lakes known as the Turtle River Chain. There is a single lane, earthen boat ramp with parking for about 6 trucks/trailers located near the outlet of the lake in Three Island County Park off of CSAH 23. Most of this lake is less than 10 feet deep and there is a lot of emergent vegetation in the lake. Three Island Lake has been a solid lake for targeting northern pike and some quality-sized pike are in this lake. Other fish include bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Turtle River Lake
Turtle River Lake is a 1,740-acre lake with a maximum depth of 63 feet. It is located 10 miles northeast of Bemidji in Beltrami County. Turtle River Lake is one of 11 connected lakes known as the Turtle River Chain. A majority of the shoreline of Turtle River Lake is either state land or the property of Concordia Language Village and remains undeveloped. There is a DNR public water access site located on the northwest end of the lake off of CSAH 21 consisting of a concrete boat ramp and parking for about 10 trucks/trailers. The town of Turtle River also has a public access site located on the northwest end of the lake (directly across from the DNR access) with a concrete ramp and parking for about 4 truck/trailers. An undeveloped road right-of-way access site is also found at the outlet of the lake off of CSAH 22. This site has limited parking and is suitable for launching canoes and other small boats.
This lake gives anglers a variety of fish to target. Most anglers fish for walleye, northern pike and panfish on this lake. Largemouth bass are also available and panfish include bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Wolf Lake
Wolf Lake, known locally as Big Wolf, is one of several connected lakes joined via the Mississippi River and Turtle River that comprise the Cass Lake chain of lakes. Wolf Lake totals 1,094 acres with a 57 foot maximum depth. This lake has a moderate amount of residential development along its lakeshore, including several resorts. There is a DNR owned public access on the west side of the lake, just off of County Road 25. Wolf Lake has good numbers of walleye with northern pike, largemouth bass, muskie, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch rounding out this fishery.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Best Baits for Northern Pike
Northern pike are known for eating just about everything they can get the mouths on and there is definitely some truth to that. For the most part, if it swims, pike may eat it. There are some baits that definitely will catch more pike than others though. Spinners, crankbaits, spoons, swimbaits and soft plastics are some of the best lures for targeting pike. Live baits such as minnows and perch are great baits too.
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Best Rigs for Northern Pike
There are many different rigs you can use for northern pike, however, since pike are so aggressive, you really don’t need to use as many of them as you would if you were trying to get good at largemouth bass fishing. For most situations, you can keep it real simple with a jighead and a minnow or soft plastic bait. To learn about some of the rigs that you can use, take a look at our best rigs for northern pike page.
Best Techniques for Northern Pike
Anglers catch pike with many different techniques. Casting, trolling and drifting are most popular ways to target pike, but there are some other methods that also work well too.
To learn more, take a look at our best techniques for northern pike page.
Learn More About Northern Pike
Our northern pike fishing section has tons of tips on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them.
Visit our northern pike fishing website to learn more.
