Where to Find Northern Pike

Small to medium size Northern Pike generally stay in thick weeds and close to shore. They will stick to the back of bays where water warms up quickly with the morning sun and they have lots of weeds to hide in.

The really large Northern Pike are more likely to hang around points leading into bays, narrows between islands or in river current especially later in the spring. They like to hang around areas where Walleyes and Bass are migrating through to ambush them.

How To Catch Northern Pike

One of the best ways to get that big spring pike is bobber fishing a frozen ciscoe. Seldom will a large pike turn down a floating ciscoe. Minnows or sucker minnows are also a popular choice. Using a medium size treble hook tipped with your bait about 2-3 feet below a float works most of the time. Cast it out and wait for a strike.

Be sure your float is under water for at least 15-20 seconds before setting your hook. When using large sucker or ciscoes, minnows, leave your bail open so the fish swims away with your bait and then wait a bit before setting the hook.

Read more Tips on Northern Pike Tackle and Lures.