UTERNorthern pike fishing in Minnesota freshwater
In Minnesota 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: Tip-ups for pike on the shallow weed flats.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Northern pike in Minnesota freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeakTip-ups for pike on the shallow weed flats.
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeakLast ice: big females move toward the spawning marshes.
- AprilSpawningSpawn in the flooded marsh at ice-out — inland season closed until the opener.
- MayPeak
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeakFall: big pike on the deep weed edges and the cisco reefs.
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish northern pike near Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake
The land of lakes: walleye, pike, muskie, perch and crappie on ten thousand lakes, half the year through the ice — Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech, Red — plus the Rainy River's walleye and sturgeon.
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 Minnesota 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: Tip-ups for pike on the shallow weed flats.
Where do northern pike hold in Minnesota freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, pond / pit, dock / pilings — around Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake, Upper Red Lake, Lake Vermilion, Rainy River.
What is the best bait for northern pike in Minnesota 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 Minnesota freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/index.html before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/fishing/index.html.
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