UTERNorthern pike fishing in Washington freshwater
In Washington freshwater, northern pike peak February–April and October–November and are around year-round, spawning in March, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Pend Oreille River pike — introduced; anglers are asked to keep them.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Northern pike in Washington freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchSpawning
- AprilPeakPend Oreille River pike — introduced; anglers are asked to keep them.
- MayAround
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish northern pike near Columbia River, Hanford Reach, Lake Chelan
The Columbia's walleye, smallmouth, shad, salmon and sturgeon, Puget Sound steelhead rivers, Lake Chelan's lakers and kokanee, and eastern Washington's lowland 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 Washington freshwater?
Peak season is February–April and October–November, with fish spawning in March (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Northern pike are here year-round. April: Pend Oreille River pike — introduced; anglers are asked to keep them.
Where do northern pike hold in Washington freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, pond / pit, dock / pilings — around Columbia River, Hanford Reach, Lake Chelan, Skagit River, Banks Lake, Lake Roosevelt.
What is the best bait for northern pike in Washington 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 Washington freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and change — read the current rule at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing.
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All about northern pike · Washington fresh water, the whole year