Aggressive apex predator of Edmonton’s lakes and rivers, famous for explosive strikes and powerful runs. Thrives in weedy bays, river backwaters, and shallow flats during warm months.
Where to Catch: North Saskatchewan River backwaters, connected ponds, and nearby lakes such as Wabamun, Pigeon, and Lac Ste. Anne.
Best Time to Fish: Spring and fall offer peak shallow-water action; summer pike move deeper but can be found in early morning or evening shallows.
| Season | Activity |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Excellent post-spawn; sight-fish in shallow bays with spoons and jerkbaits. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Good early/late in shallows; troll or cast deeper weed edges mid-day. |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Very good; pike feed heavily before winter, often in mid-depth weedbeds. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Fair to good ice fishing with large deadbaits under tip-ups. |
Peak Season: May–June and September–October.
Tackle & Tips
Lures: 1/2–1 oz spoons, large spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and swimbaits.
Bait: Frozen smelt, herring, or large minnows (where legal).
Leaders: 12–18 in wire or heavy fluorocarbon (50–80 lb) to prevent bite-offs.
Gear: Medium-heavy to heavy rods with 30–50 lb braid; 8–9 wt fly rods for large streamers.
