UTERNorthern pike fishing in Maine freshwater
In Maine freshwater, northern pike peak March–May and September–October and December–January and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. January: Belgrade Lakes ice pike — an introduced fishery.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Northern pike in Maine freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakBelgrade Lakes ice pike — an introduced fishery.
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeak
- AprilSpawning
- MayPeak
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish northern pike near Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lakes
The brook trout and landlocked salmon state: thousands of cold lakes and ponds, famous rivers like the Kennebec and Grand Lake Stream, togue in the deep lakes, and bass in the southern lakes.
What to use for northern pike
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 33–76°F water, best at 50–68°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch northern pike in Maine freshwater?
Peak season is March–May and September–October and December–January, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Northern pike are here year-round. January: Belgrade Lakes ice pike — an introduced fishery.
Where do northern pike hold in Maine freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, pond / pit, dock / pilings — around Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, Rangeley Lakes, Grand Lake Stream, Kennebec River, Belgrade Lakes.
What is the best bait for northern pike in Maine freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for northern pike in Maine freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) and change — read the current rule at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/laws-rules/index.html before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/licenses-permits/index.html.
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All about northern pike · Maine fresh water, the whole year