Ice Fishing for Northern Pike

Ice fishing for northern pike can be exciting or it can be very nonproductive. Northern pike aren't as active in the winter months as they are in the summer. However, they are still feeding and will strike a lure or live bait. To increase your chances of success, be aware of a pike's habitat and how its diet changes in the winter.

Finding the Right Spot

Finding a good spot is critical to catching northern pike through the ice, because in the winter you won't have as much mobility. Northern pike like to ambush their prey in summer and winter. Look for ambush spots near a small island or submerged trees. Bridges and underwater structure are also good choices. Be careful, though. Ice tends to be thinner near islands and bridges.

Use the Right Bait

Smelt, which is basically like a small minnow, is an excellent winter bait for northern. Thread a smelt onto your hook and let it drift in the water below your ice hole. Hook the smelt through the eyes and once more through the back to achieve maximum exposure of the hook and to secure your bait, which helps when smaller fish start pecking at it.

Ice Fishing Rod

A great ice fishing rod for northern pike is one you can lay over your hole and leave there. A rod with a single reel attached to an "X" cross brace of wood and a flag-strike indicator is perfect for the job. Don't forget to rig the flag to your line. They are sold at nearly every major sports fishing store.

Line

The best line to use is Spiderwire--or another braided line. Pike are voracious fighters. They won't be as active in the winter, but your line must be able to handle their weight. A 14- to 20-lb. test line will do the job for pike that weigh from 5 to 15 pounds. Use a pike leader made of wire and a solid 3/0 or larger hook to handle their big jaws and substantial bite.

Setting up your Fishing Areas

After choosing a spot to fish, set up a few holes that are at least 10 feet apart. You don't need to have your holes closer than that; pike will swim to your bait. Place holes at each location where you have identified underwater structure. Use maps or local knowledge of where these structures are. Sometimes it helps to put two holes on each side of the structure.

Resources

• Article on ice fishing for Northern Pike