UTERNorthern pike fishing in North Dakota freshwater
In North Dakota 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. March: Devils Lake and Sakakawea late-ice pike.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Northern pike in North Dakota freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryPeak
- FebruaryAround
- MarchPeakDevils Lake and Sakakawea late-ice pike.
- AprilSpawning
- MayPeak
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish northern pike near Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe
Devils Lake's perch, walleye and pike, the Missouri River reservoirs, paddlefish at the confluence, and the Red River's trophy channel cats.
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 North Dakota 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. March: Devils Lake and Sakakawea late-ice pike.
Where do northern pike hold in North Dakota freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, pond / pit, dock / pilings — around Devils Lake, Lake Sakakawea, Lake Oahe, Missouri River, Red River of the North.
What is the best bait for northern pike in North Dakota 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 North Dakota freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGF) and change — read the current rule at https://gf.nd.gov/regulations/fishing before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://gf.nd.gov/fishing/licensing.
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