Canada Pike

In Canada pike are among the most sought after freshwater fish in the country. This is for good reason. The pike is not only a lively fighter, but northern pike also make a great meal.

There is no doubt when you have a northern pike on the end of your line. Most times they hit with all out aggression and have been known to pull a rod right out of the hand of an unsuspecting (or snoozing) angler.

The good news about pike fishing is they will hit almost any lure. Whether a spoon, crankbait or jig; in Canada pike are consistently caught on a variety of tackle. This means those obscure hooks in your tackle box just might be what the doctor ordered.

The pike is scattered across a variety of depths and underwater structure. This can make the fish somewhat unpredictable at times. But there are a few things regarding northern pike that you can count on.

Historically a red and white spoon and the yellow five of diamonds spoon have proven to be terrific lures for catching northern pike. Normally the red and white work best in clear water while the five of diamonds works well in murky conditions. This is just a guideline. You may have to mix up your lures and presentation to catch pike in Canada.

One pike fishing tip that works well is to cast your spoon relatively high. Just before it hits the water pull back on our rod causing the spoon to crash into the lake. This creates a slap on the surface of the water that will often attract northern pike.

Speaking of the water surface, pike are also attracted to a variety of surface lures. Jitterbugs and spooks work well, as do floating Rapala’s. There is nothing more fun than a large northern pike coming out of the water to attack your lure.

In Canada pike are found virtually everywhere. They are found off of shoals and in thick weed beds. They have even been known to ambush prey at the mouth of rivers and streams. Pike use weeds and underwater structure to provide cover giving them the ability to carry out surprise attacks on walleye, bass and more.

In many northern regions of Canada pike are typically shallow in the spring and move deeper as the summer wears on. The pike typically will follow baitfish down the edge of underwater drop offs. As they get deeper, a switch to heavier lures is sometimes needed to land these terrific predators.

There are a number of locations that are prime real estate for catching northern pike.

They include;

• Edge of weed beds
  
• The mouth of a river or stream
  
• In big leaf weeds
  
• Below lily pads
  
• Deep ridges
  
• Underwater edges close to shallow weeds
  
• Rocky points where walleye or bass gather
  

No matter when or where you fish for pike in Canada, be ready for a great battle. The northern pike is a spirited fighter and will always be up for a scrap. Remember to use the right gear and you will be in for a terrific day of Canada pike fishing.

Thanks for reading.

Good fishing.

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