Fillet Northern Pike

A method to fillet northern pike that is amazingly easy! We had so many comments about this method we thought it warranted its own page. This article focuses solely on removing the Y Bones after filleting northern pike.

It really is an easy way to do it. Much easier than getting the Y Bones out at the filleting table. Once you get the hang of it, you will likely never remove the Y Bones while you are in the filleting shack again.

The northern pike has a lateral line that runs the length of the fillet. It is important to remember that line because it is going to be our guide after we cook the pike.

Prepare the pike as you desire. It is a great eating fish and when cooked properly it rivals the taste of walleye. Once the pike is cooked place the fillet on your plate and get ready to dig out the Y Bones.

Remember that lateral line? Well if you cooked the fish properly the meat should flake away, and that lateral line is our ticket to getting the bones out.

Break the fillet along the line and the Y Bones will appear. Use a fork or a knife for best results. Grab the bones with your fork or fingers and pull them out. Inspect the length of the pike fillet removing all the bones you see. They pull out without any effort.

You know what? That’s it.

Removing the Y Bones on your plate is such an easy way to finish cleaning northern pike. It makes the thought of doing it at the filleting table almost obsolete. If you like pike like we like pike, this method is a way to fillet northern pike that you will use from here on in.

There is no need to understand the skeletal anatomy of a pike like you do at the filleting table. You just need to know which side of the fillet to break once the pike has been cooked.

Bon Apetit.

Thanks for reading.

Good fishing.

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