Physical Description

• Northern pike (Esox lucius) is an elongated fish with a bluish or greenish-gray skin. Also known simply as pike, this species has dark patches on the fins. White or yellow spots appear in rows along the pike's body length. A single dorsal fin rises near the tail. Adults reach 18 inches to 39 inches in length. Skin of young pike features light-colored bars that later fragment against the dark background color. The ravenous pike has long, pin-sharp teeth. The carnivorous diet often includes frogs, ducklings, mice, muskrats, crayfish, minnows and other fish.
  
  

Season

• The fishing season depends on latitude, after ice out. Note that in the Northwest Territories, the spring season occurs later than in the southern provinces, and a shorter summer season follows for fishing. In spring, pike occur in shallow bays in the 50 degrees Fahrenheit range. In summer, the fish may linger in cool, rocky streams . For fall, pikes migrate to flats and weed beds. Lakes that have ciscoes or herring-like fish on the shoals also attract pike.
  
  

Equipment

• For pike fishing, bring bait casting equipment and reels with a capacity of 200 yards of 15-pound test line. If possible, bring two rods, each of a different style, both with long grips for easy two-handed casting. The rods should be about 7 feet long. The first one should have a fast and flexible tip; the second rod should be stiffer to allow trolling or casting crankbaits or jerkbaits. Fighting pikes can even blow apart rods and reels. Carry the rods in protective tubes. Leaders can be fluorocarbon of 50-pound test or more. Useful tools to remove and sever a treble hook include longnose pliars and cutters. Caution: the slippery pike can thrash with a hook and tear clothes and flesh.
  
  Pike fishing in Canada can mean experiencing unexpected weather changes, including chance of snow. Pike fishing requires clothing that protects the angler from the elements: long-sleeve fishing shirts, flannel-wool shirts, outdoor sweaters, rain gear, layered clothing and waterproof footwear. Bring polarized sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
  
  

Fly Fishing for Pike in Canada

• Fly fishing for Northern Pike grows in popularity. Equipment can include an eight-weight rod, reel, line and backing. A nine-foot rod and a single-action reel allows good distance on a cast. Leaders can be a heavy monofilament or fluorocarbon tip. Tippets can be at least 10 or 20 pounds. Because pike prey on other fish, try using flies that imitate fish prey.
  
  

Famous Fishing Sites

• Alban, Ontario, four hours north of Toronto, attracts outdoor writers and TV hosts from Field & Stream, Outdoors Canada, the Chicago Tribune and many other publications and shows. Manitoba produces huge trophy northern pike measuring from 41 inches to 53 inches. Use barbless hooks, and catch and release. Silsby Lake, located 450 miles north of Winnipeg, boasts a camp record of 53 inches set in 1999.