How to Catch Northern Pike in Canada

By Jonathan Croswell

Northern Pike are one of the most abundant types of fish in Canada. They're also one of the easiest to catch. This is due in large part to the northern pike's willingness to eat almost anything. Anglers have a lot of options when choosing what baits or lures to use to catch northerns. Northern pike also make a popular meal, but they are known for their aggression and sharp teeth and like to play with their bait before they eat it, making it important to know their habits to avoid snapping a line or losing your bait.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You'll Need:

Jigs
Daredevils
Chubs
Walleye
Fishing rod and line

Step 1

Bring a bunch of different lures with you to the water. Jigs and other lures, such as "red & silver" or "five-of-diamonds" DareDevils are good at attracting northern pike.

Step 2

Avoid worms and small minnows as live bait. Big northern pike won't waste time with them--they want 8 to 10-inch chub or 1-to-2 pound walleye. Since most bait shops don't carry chubs in this size, you might want to fish a small stream with a worm until you catch a few for bait.

Step 3

Fish along rocky points, mouths of rivers and other narrow sections of the lake where northern pike will have a number of hiding spots. They tend to hunt by ambushing their prey, so you should fish in a manner that lets them think they're about to launch a sneak attack on your bait or lure.

Step 4

Unclip the bail of your rod and let the line run out, even when you think you've got a nibble. Northerns tend to play with their food before biting onto it, so be patient and wait until you've got a solid bite.

Step 5

Use a swivel on your fishing line to relieve the line of tension when the pike begins fighting and potentially spinning the line.

Tips & Warnings

Move to deeper waters as the sun rises and the day wears on.

About The Author

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." He has spent several years working on tri-annual wedding publications as both a writer and content editor. Croswell received a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Nebraska.

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