Northern pike are streamlined, heavy-bodied game fish that inhabit reservoirs and lakes in the northern United States. These large and impressive fish can grow to over five feet long. Northern pike are ambush hunters, hiding behind rocks, sunken trees and other structure where they lie in wait for passing fish. With an aggressive disposition and a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, northern pike are prized by anglers who need substantial rods, reels, tackle and bait to catch these hard-fighting fish.
Step 1
Use a medium to medium-heavy bait-casting reel and rod with 20 lb. test line. Because northern pike tend to be line shy, try fluorocarbon fishing line, which is almost undetectable underwater.
Step 2
Use lures to catch northern pike. Try popular models, such as Daredevil lures, large jigs, spinners or spoons in bright color patterns in the 3 to 4-inch range. Cast these lures and let them sink a bit, then slowly retrieve them. Crankbaits, jerkbaits and swimbaits, particularly those with black and silver patterns, also work for northerns.
Step 3
Fish for northern pike with large live bait. Try creek chubs, shiners, suckerfish or other non-game fish that are around 8 to 10 inches long.
Step 4
Construct a double hook live bait rig with two 12-inch leaders and two 2/0 to 4/0 treble hooks. Tie your line to the end swivel of one of the leaders. Attach a treble hook and the swivel of the other leader to the snap swivel of the first leader. Attach the other treble hook to the remaining snap swivel on the second leader.
Step 5
Hook the end treble hook of the live bait rig through the bottom lip of a bait fish and the other hook through its tail. Attach a bobber to your main line between 2 and 4 feet above the rig. Cast your bait and let the bait fish swim freely to attract northern pike.
Step 6
Fish for northern pike in areas of structure, including around rock piles, fallen trees and brush piles. Also, try narrow areas of lakes and reservoirs where bait fish are forced to funnel through. Look for larger northern pike in deeper waters of the lake around rocky points, humps and holes that harbor bait fish. For smaller northerns, look along shallow weed lines and sheltered areas in lake bays and inlets.
Step 7
Give a striking northern some time before you set the hook. A northern pike will often grab your bait then move off to orient it in its mouth to eat it. Wait about a minute, allowing your reel to free spool, then take up the slack in your line and set the hook.
Things You'll Need
- Medium to heavy-duty bait-casting rod and reel
- 2/0 to 4/0 treble hooks
- 12-inch wire leaders
- Various large lures
- Live bait, such as creek chubs, suckerfish or shiners
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