Northern Pike

Long torpedo-shaped body, single soft dorsal fin far back, light-coloured bean-shaped spots on a dark green background. Full scale coverage on cheeks and half-coverage on gill covers (opposite of muskie).

Shallow weedy bays, cabbage beds, creek mouths, and flooded timber in spring; move to 12–25 ft weed edges and mid-lake humps in summer.

• Always use a 12"+ steel or 60 lb fluorocarbon leader — pike teeth cut through anything less.
• Burn a bucktail across shallow cabbage in June with a hard figure-8 at the boat.
• In fall, dead-stick a whole smelt under a big bobber over an 8–12 ft weed edge.

Most FMZs: 6 sport / 2 conservation, with slot limits protecting mid-size fish in many zones.

Always confirm before your trip: Ontario Fishing Rules & Licences.

Mapped waters in our guide that hold northern pike — tap through for FMZ, regulations, and tactics.

• Andrew Haydon Park – Ottawa RiverFMZ 12
• Bay of QuinteFMZ 20
• Bay of Quinte – BellevilleFMZ 20
• Bay of Quinte – TrentonFMZ 20
• Big Rideau Lake – PortlandFMZ 18
• Black Bay – Lake SuperiorFMZ 9
• Bon Echo Provincial Park – Mazinaw LakeFMZ 18
• Britannia Bay – Ottawa RiverFMZ 12
• Burnt River – KinmountFMZ 17
• Cameron Lake – Fenelon FallsFMZ 17

Browse all waters on the fishing map →

• Lake Nipissing Fishing Guide
• Kawartha Lakes Fishing Guide
• Walleye vs. Pike vs. Bass — Best First Species