Tips and Techniques for Northern Pike Fishing in Canada

Canada pike fishing is an exhilarating experience anywhere, but Saskatchewan is one of the best places to enjoy nature in North America. From Canadian forests to bright blue lakes, there are plenty of ways to experience the gorgeous landscape, especially when it comes to fishing. When you stay at Arctic Lodges, you’ll be given more opportunities for fishing than you can count. With a completely remote lodging experience, Arctic Lodges has kept its original log cabins for guests to stay in so that they have an authentic Canadian woodland experience. There’s no other traffic, other than your local wildlife, so you’re sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

 Being located right on the Reindeer lake gives the best opportunities for tourists to catch fish during their time in Saskatchewan. While guests can catch and release hundreds of fish during their trip, northern pike is easily the most famous fish to catch.

There’s a reason these fish are called “water wolves”. With their strong bodies, sharp teeth, and desire for a meal, these freshwater monsters are an exciting catch for anyone. But what do you need to know in order to prepare for these beasts? Let us help you out with this article on tips and techniques for catching Northern Pike.

Understanding the Northern Pike (Esox Lucius)

Northern Pike are best found in cooler water temperatures, which is one of the many reasons that Reindeer Lake, Saskatchewan is a hotspot for trophy captures. Arctic Lodges has a reputation for being one of the best places for Canada pike fishing in the world because Reindeer Lake has incredibly clear waters, and the perfect habitat for breeding huge northern pike – most of them getting to be over 45 inches long! You might even luck out and catch one over 50 inches long, and earn bragging rights among you and your travel group. 

How do they get so large on Reindeer Lake? That’s simple. They love to eat. Pike are some of the most vicious freshwater predators you can find. They like to spend their days in shallow, weedy places, along with cold and rocky waters, patiently waiting to ambush any prey that passes. They don’t care what size of prey they’re hunting, which is one of the reasons that they lay so many eggs. With a cannibalistic nature that sets in when food is scarce, these guys will eat anything, including their own.

Pike are visual hunters and they’re always hungry, which makes using colourful lures with plenty of movement an ideal choice. They also have very sensitive inner ears, so having added vibration to your lures is a sure-fire way of catching them. Our Top Ten Lures for Catching Northern Pike goes into a more in-depth look at the best options for attracting these insane predators. 

Finding the Correct Locations to Catch Northern Pike

First and foremost, the best way to catch a trophy is to listen to your guide. Arctic Lodges guides have experience in catching and targeting specific species, so if your goal is to catch a Northern Pike, Arctic Lodges guides are a fail-safe member to have in your boat.

Pike love smaller inlets that are shallow and full of weeds. This is because they enjoy preying on other spawning species, such as baitfish and smaller pike. Remember; where there is prey, there will be pike. This is yet another reason Reindeer Lake is an ideal place for pike fishing. With over 5500 islands, the abundance of bays and inlets is almost unmatched.

Our main tips for Pike Fishing

1. Know the environment. If you’re having no luck in a bay, move to the next. Pike are aggressive creatures and will make their whereabouts known the moment your lure is in their space (as long as they’re hungry – which is almost always). Remember to look for the grass and weeds. Where the prey is, the pike is.

2. Use lures with colour and vibration for the best experience. Pike a visual hunters and look for excitement, so make sure to give it to them.

3. Make sure your rod is up to the task. Northern Pike get to record breaking sizes, and you want the proper equipment to get them into your boat. A strong rod, like a medium to heavy, and braided line (30-50lbs) is always recommended.

4. Pike have big eyes and small stomachs, so don’t be afraid to size up on your bait. Larger bait means a further visual, which makes it easier to get them out of the grass and into the open.

5. Always use a heavy leader. Pike have some of the most intense teeth found on a fish. If you have a basic monofilament on, they will almost always bit through it and take your lure with them.

6. Speaking of teeth, be cautious while holding your catch of the day. Pike are notorious for biting down on fingers, and even going for your face if you get too close. The most important part of a successful catch is getting the memory and putting the pike back in the water without any accidents or injuries to either you or the trophy.

So, what are you waiting for?

When it comes to Canadian pike fishing, there truly is no better place to do it than on Reindeer Lake with Arctic Lodges. From crystal clear lakes to rustic log cabins, there’s nothing quite like a stay at this remote spot in Saskatchewan. Once you catch your first northern pike, you’ll surely want to come back for more. Hitting the water is easier than ever when you stay right next to the shore. So, pack your bags, your fishing gear, and your love for nature. Canada, pike fishing, and Reindeer Lake are waiting for you.

Need more proof that this is the trip for you? Get to know Reindeer Lake, Canada, and Saskatchewan here.