Erica with Northern PikeNorthern Pike Fishing

The scientific name for the Great Northern Pike is Esox lucius; which means spear like wolf or devil fish. Often referred to as nature’s balancer, pike will eat just about anything when the opportunity presents itself. Other names for pike are “jackfish” or “northern” and some people call the little ones “hammer handles”. Pike spawn in early spring in shallow soft bottom bays. A pike is usually considered a trophy at 40 inches or around 20 pounds. Fishing regulations in Northwestern Ontario do not allow anglers to keep any pike between 27.5 and 34.5 inches. This year, the season opens on May 18th.

Our guides use many different techniques to catch pike at different times of the year. During spring and summer we usually cast weed beds, rock piles, shallow reefs and sunken logs. During late summer and fall our guides also like trolling large baits over deep points and saddles.

Larger sized spoons, spinner baits, jerkbaits, crankbaits and bucktails are ideal presentations for pike. Make sure you use a strong black leaders or fluorocarbon leader and razor sharp hooks. Heavier spinning and baitcasting rods and reels loaded with 14-20 pound test are ideal for pike fishing.