Canada Northern Pike

Catching Trophies with a musky rig

In Canada northern pike fishing is one of the easiest and most fun fishing expeditions you can embark on. Northern pike will strike almost any lure at any time. That means you always have to be on your toes and ready for a battle.

There are a number of popular lures used to catch northern pike. The “red and silver”, “lady bug” and “five of diamond” spoons all produce good results year after year.

But if you are after a monster, you need to change your tactics. The big northern pike are not feeding on small baits. Although they may strike a small spoon, they are looking for something more substantial. Big northern pike are chasing down perch and walleye that can weigh up to a pound. You need a lure to match!

One of the most popular ways to catch big northern pike is by using a home made musky rig. In Canada, northern pike fishing and big musky rigs go hand in hand. Especially for those interested in catching a trophy!

Get your hands on some 8 inch smelts, sardines or shiners. If your bait store doesn’t have them, often times your grocer may. Big bait is critical and will greatly enhance your chances of landing that big northern!

To make the rig take two twelve inch leaders and two treble hooks. Attach the hooks onto the two leaders. Next clip the two leaders together so you have a hook on the end and a hook in the middle (where they are joined). Now tie you line to the eye at the top. Get a medium sized float and attach it about one foot above your musky rig. Lastly attach the lip of your smelt through the end hook and through the tail with the middle hook.

You are in business!

Fish the rig off of rocky points or at the edge of weed beds. Remember northern pike ambush their prey. You need to give them the opportunity and these locations are perfect.

There is nothing like landing a 20 pound pike. Particularly if you’ve caught one in a bad mood! Try this muskie rig strategy next time out. Chances are you will have some success.

Thanks for reading.

Good fishing.

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