How to Catch Northern Pike

Native to the northern regions of North America, Europe and Asia, the northern pike is a desirable and relatively easy fish to catch. Known for its voracious appetite, this predator is a delicious food fish and large pikes make handsome trophies. Whether you're a pike fishing fanatic or a novice, here are some strategies you can employ to maximize your chances of catching northern pike you can brag about.

Instructions

1. Catch small or medium northern pike in areas with thick weeds and lily pads, where there are plenty of bugs, frogs and minnows for them to feed on. Large pike generally lack interest in these food sources, preferring to dine on walleyes, so look for them on the outskirts of weeded areas and near rocky shores and in more open waters, like at the mouth of a river or stream.

2. Use the right lures. Northern pike are among the easiest game fish to catch. To catch small or medium-sized pike, use "red and white" Daredevil spoon lures or "five of diamonds" Daredevils, which are yellow and marked with five red diamonds.

3. Be patient. It's not uncommon for large pike to play with bait, making several hits before biting. A hungry pike will eventually take your bait, so hang in there. If you catch and release, you may even reel in the same northern pike more than once.

4. Opt for large bait to catch trophy-worthy northern pike. Although you may have to catch your own bait because it may be challenging to find eight to ten inch sucker minnows or chub in bait shops, your efforts will pay off. Chub and suckers are relatively easy to catch and are abundant in many streams.

5. Fish for northern pike during the right time of year for best results. The spring, in general is not ideal for pike fishing as they tend to be sluggish just after spawning. To maximize the likelihood of catching many large pike, plan your fishing trip for June or July. During August and September, the water is clear, which provides fishermen with an advantage, but the fish do not always feed during this time.

Tips & Warnings

• When using chub to catch northern pike, use a Kawarthy Musky rig for best results.

• To maximize your chances of catching northern pike, use red and white or red and silver lures in clear water and yellow lures in murky or muddy water.