How to Catch Northern Pike in Canada

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.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

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." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...