Pike can be found in nearly every body of water in Minnesota. However, some of the best pike fishing is in the northern part of the state, where lakes are abundant and water temperatures remain relatively cool for most of the year. You can find plenty of opportunities to catch big pike if you pick the right places, just be sure to use catch-and-release practices to ensure even bigger catches in the years to come.
Land of Lakes
Northern Minnesota is dotted with lakes both large and small. Weedy shorelines in shallow waters comprise many of these lake ecosystems. Although these places might not sound like the best swimming holes, they are for the Northern pike.
This fish species is a popular game fish in northern Minnesota. Its aggressive nature, voracious appetite and propensity to fight hard against a tight line make it one of the more fun fish to catch in inland lakes.
Pike Populations
Pike populations in various lakes in Minnesota vary from year to year. Increased fishing in certain lakes can reduce a large stock of pike to a small one during the season.
A lack of fishing activity in a lake with a small pike population can bring the fish numbers up in the coming season. With this in mind, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources places regulations on pike fishing that require fish of a certain size to be released in an attempt to maintain consistent population numbers throughout the state.
Check with the DNR before heading out on the water to make sure you know what are the current regulations.
Beltrami County
Beltrami County is home to the Turtle River Chain. "Minnesota Sportsman" magazine called this waterway, connecting Turtle River, Big Turtle Lakes and Movil Lake, "one of the best areas in the state for finding big-time Northern pike".
The magazine suggests scouting the Turtle River before fishing, as the many turns of the river hide some of the best locations for pike. Thanks to DNR regulations, the number of 2- and 3-foot pike is growing in the area.
Jig-and-shiner combination lures are the suggested bait for attracting pike in the early season. The south basin and the easternmost bay are likely pike hideouts on Turtle Lake.
Boundary Waters
The Boundary Waters in northeastern Minnesota are littered with deep lakes where big pike are known to hide. The DNR has reported many pike exceeding 30 inches.
"Minnesota Sportsman" magazine suggests fishing Pelican Lakes, near Orr, Minnesota. Although it is a popular lake for anglers, many are fishing for other species. The pike population on the lake is strong. Fishing in the weeds with a jig and minnow around the lakeshore is likely to produce the best results.
Upper Red Lake
Some of the best pike fishing waters in the state are mostly off limits to fisherman who are not part of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. Only waters east of 94 degrees longitude are open to public fishing. Even with the diminished area open to state regulated fishing, Red Lake, the largest inland lake in Minnesota, is well-known for its large and plentiful pike population.
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