How to Catch Northern Pike: Lures, Locations, Techniques

Northern pike are one of North America's most aggressive and exciting freshwater predators. With their long, torpedo-shaped bodies and mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, they're the wolves of the freshwater world. Here's how to catch them.

Understanding Pike

Northern pike (Esox lucius) are ambush predators that hide in vegetation, waiting for prey to swim past. They're found across Canada and the northern United States, in lakes, rivers, and brackish waters. Pike prefer cool, clear water with abundant weed growth.

Top Pike Locations

Canada

Canada is pike paradise. Top destinations include Lake of the Woods (Ontario), Great Slave Lake (NWT), Lake Athabasca (Saskatchewan), Lac La Ronge (Saskatchewan), and the many shield lakes of northern Ontario and Quebec.

United States

Excellent pike fishing can be found in Minnesota (Mille Lacs, Leech Lake), Wisconsin (Chippewa Flowage, Lake Michigan), Michigan (Lake St. Clair, Lake Superior), New York (St. Lawrence River, Lake Champlain), and Alaska (various rivers and lakes).

Best Pike Lures

Spoons

Spoons are the classic pike lure. The erratic, wobbling action triggers aggressive strikes. Top choices include the Johnson Silver Minnow, Eppinger Daredevle, and Len Thompson spoon. Use size 3-5 for most situations.

Spinnerbaits

Large spinnerbaits with Colorado or Indiana blades are excellent pike catchers. The vibration and flash attract pike from a distance. Use sizes 4-6 with white, chartreuse, or fire tiger skirts.

Crankbaits

Large, deep-diving crankbaits are effective for covering water and finding active pike. Jointed crankbaits have an enticing action. Top brands include Rapala (Super Shad Rap), Musky Innovations, and Suick.

Soft Plastics

Large paddletail swimbaits (6-10 inches) on a jig head are deadly for pike. The slow, swimming action is irresistible. Bull Dawgs, Berkleys PowerBait swimbaits, and similar lures work well.

Live Bait

Large sucker minnows, chubs, and herring fished under a bobber or on a quick-strike rig are consistently effective for trophy pike.

Pike Fishing Techniques

Casting Weed Edges

Pike relate closely to weed beds. Cast parallel to weed edges and retrieve your lure just above the vegetation. Focus on points, pockets, and inside turns in the weed line.

Trolling

Trolling with large spoons or crankbaits is an effective way to cover water and locate pike. Troll at 2-4 mph along weed edges, points, and structure.

Figure-8 at the Boat

When a pike follows your lure to the boat without striking, make a figure-8 pattern with your rod tip in the water. Many pike will strike during this manoeuvre — it's a standard technique for pike and muskie anglers.

Essential Pike Fishing Tips

• Use a wire leader — Pike have razor-sharp teeth that will cut through monofilament and fluorocarbon. Use a 6-12 inch wire leader.
• Bring a long hook remover — Pike are deeply hooked and toothy. A long pliers or hook-out tool is essential.
• Practice catch and release — Large pike are vulnerable to overfishing. Handle them carefully and release quickly.
• Fish spring and fall — Pike are most active in spring (post-spawn) and fall (feeding up for winter).
• Log your catches — The CatchTales app helps you track pike locations, lures, and conditions.

Published July 2026 by the CatchTales team.