Northern Pike

Esox Lucius

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The Northern Pike has been given many "nicknames", the most common in our area are; Jacks, Slough Sharks, Hammer Handles and Snot Rockets. (The latter two refer to fish 2 lbs or smaller).
They can be found in most of Canada, and the north eastern States of the U.S.
Pike thrive in many different bodies of water, including - shallow reservoirs, weedy bays, river backwaters, marshes and most lakes.
In Saskatchewan, if a lake is capable of sustaining life, and hasn't been "killed off" for stocked Trout, you can assure there are Northern Pike present.
Smaller Pike or "Hammer Handles" are easily caught in shallower, weedy waters. Larger pike will frequent these same waters in the spring, but as the water temperature rises, the larger Pike will move to deeper water.
Fishing for Northern Pike can be done in numerous ways, the most common styles are explained below.
Casting spoons, spinners and various styles of Rapalas from either shore or from a boat, can be very effective if done correctly. Fan casting parallel to, or through a weed bed will produce excellent results. When the fish stop hitting, just move further down the weed bed/shore line and start again.
Other areas to try are rock points, river mouths and drop-offs.
Trolling, using the same lures as when casting alongside, over and through weedbeds, will also produce many fish. Try varying the speed of the boat, or change the size and depth of the lure you're using for surprising results. How about using bottom bouncers with wire leaders attached to frozen minnows, leeches or worm harnesses in 15' - 20' feet of water, for those elusive big summer Pike!
Bobber Fishing alongside a weedbed or drop-off using large minnows, smelts, sardines or herring will produce numerous fish.
Used in the right spot, in the right time of the season, can produce some impressive size Pike.
Jig Fishing is considered a great way to catch Walleye, used in the right areas will have Pike doubling your rod over many times.
Depth or Fish Finders will greatly increase your chances of finding and catching any fish. Remember not to focus on finding fish on your screen, look for high percentage areas such as sunken structure, weed beds, rocks, shelves, humps, drop-offs and my favorite, "transition areas" (where weeds end and rocks start, soft bottom meets hard etc.)
Locate these key areas, fish them properly and you will catch numerous Pike, and I would almost guarantee you will stumble upon a few Walleye as well.
Ice Fishing is another excellent way to hook into some large Pike. Have a look at the photos to the left , and click on the Ice Fishing link for some tips and tricks to finding these brutes in the winter,