Fishing – Tips and Techniques for Catching Northern Pike

I’ll start by stating the obvious, which is that tips for catching Pike are not necessary. Northern pike are famous for their willingness to go after just about anything. This is especially true of the smaller pike, as they have a very diverse diet that includes everything from small minnows and insects to frogs and in between. It’s almost like Pike is challenging himself to eat as big as he can eat. Larger pike are a bit more discerning but will generally attack just about any type of lure and bait. Many Ontario fishing stores will stock a wide variety of lures.

Almost any decent fishing lake in Ontario will have abundant pike populations. The best Ontario fishing lakes will have many bays and extensive brush beds where the smaller ones are usually found. Northern pike are very patient predators, but the smaller ones should always be careful not to get eaten. Larger pike will hang more towards the edge of weed beds, where they feed primarily on walleye that drift along the edge of the weeds. Ontario fishing lodges often cater to anglers looking to catch walleye, but those same places are often good places to catch big walleye.

The larger pike almost never feed on smaller minnows and frogs. They have to expend too much energy for such a small meal. Their main food source is walleye and other medium-sized fish. Their favorite ambush spot is along a point that leads to a bay, but they’ll hang out pretty much anywhere there are walleyes. Ontario’s fishing lakes that feature rocky headlands, shoals, and islands are also great places to catch big pike as they stalk their prey.

Ontario Fisheries Resources will often name a variety of lures that can be effective in catching northern pike, but there are a couple in particular that really stand out from the rest. Although Pike will bite into almost anything, the reckless red, silver and yellow “five of diamonds” are his favorites. Throwing a daredevil into pockets along the edge of a brush bed is usually the most effective technique for catching Pike. Pike will also reliably hit on Rapalas, jigs, and Thundersticks. Lure color selection will vary based on clarity and water conditions. Red and silver work best in clear water, and in muddy or murky water, the yellow “five of diamonds” is effective. Rattlesnake baits also work well in murky or muddy water, as pike can locate them by sound.

Patience is often recommended when chasing those big Pikes. They will often go after your offer and hit and release multiple times before taking the bait. Pike are known to be aggressive and ultimately unable to resist. There are numerous stories of Ontario fishing trips where anglers have repeatedly caught the same pike.