With its pristine lakes and rivers, Alberta is a haven for northern pike fishing. Known for their aggressive strikes and thrilling fights, these predatory fish offer a challenging yet rewarding fishing experience.
Northern pike are fascinating creatures. These freshwater fish have long, slim body, typically ranging from 18 to 30 inches but can sometimes reach lengths of over 40 inches.
Their distinctive mottled greenish color gives them an excellent camouflage among aquatic vegetation – a strategic advantage for their ambush-style hunting. Northern pike possesses a uniquely flat and broad snout filled with sharp teeth designed for gripping onto their prey.
One of the most intriguing aspects of northern pike is their behavior. They are solitary hunters who use an ambush approach to catch prey.
Northern pike hides among aquatic vegetation or near structures until potential prey ventures within striking distance. They primarily feed on smaller fish species, such as minnows and perch but are opportunistic feeders. They won’t shy away from larger prey such as frogs or even waterfowl.
Best Lures and Baits for Northern Pike Fishing
Spoon Lures
Spoon lures are a classic choice for pike fishing. Their unique shape and wobbling motion mimic the movement of injured baitfish – an irresistible sight for predatory pike.
Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are another favorite among pike anglers. They produce a lot of vibrations and movement underwater designed to lure a pike into attacking – particularly useful in murky or cloudy conditions.
Swimbaits
Swimbaits are designed to mimic the appearance and movements of baitfish, making them irresistible to predatory fish like northern pike.
There are two primary types of swimbaits: hard-bodied and soft-bodied. Hard-bodied swimbaits often have multiple segments connected by hinges, allowing them to replicate the swimming motion of real fish. Soft-bodied swimbaits, on the other hand, are made of flexible plastic materials that create a lifelike tail action.
Swimbaits come in various sizes and colors. When choosing a size, remember that the northern pike is not afraid to attack larger prey. In terms of color, it’s best to match the local forage species.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits mimic the shape and movement of prey fish – a natural choice for hunting pike. Crankbaits that resemble the color of native fish species often yield better results.
Live Bait
There’s no beating live bait when it comes to catching northern pike. Minnows, suckers, smelt, and shiners make effective live baits. However, ensure you use a wire leader. Pike’s sharp teeth can easily cut through regular fishing lines – something many anglers learn the hard way!
How to Catch Pike in Alberta?
Casting
Casting is one of the most straightforward techniques for northern pike fishing. Use a heavy-duty rod with a fast-action tip to cast your lure into areas where pike are likely hiding (weed lines, drop-offs, or near underwater structures like logs or rocks).
Trolling
Trolling involves slowly moving your boat while trailing a lure or bait behind it. Slow-speed trolling with deep-diving crankbaits can yield excellent results during warm summer months when pike retreat to deeper waters.
Dead Baiting
This traditional method involves suspending a dead fish (minnow or smelt) in the water using a float. The scent of the dead fish draws pike from afar (especially during spring or fall when pike is aggressively feeding).
Best Pike Fishing Locations in Alberta
- Eagle Lake – located just 45 min from Calgary, it is a perfect spot for pike and walleye fishing
- Crawling Valley Reservoir – pike, burbot, walleye, and perch. One of the best pike fishing spots near Calgary
- Dalemead Lake – small but good lake for pike fishing. Located just 30 min from Calgary.
- Glenmore Reservoir – productive pike spot right in Calgary
- Pine Coulee Reservoir – pike, walleye, and rainbow trout
- McGregor Reservoir – pike, walleye, burbot, and whitefish
- Travers Reservoir – pike, walleye, burbot, and whitefish
- Sylvan Lake – burbot, walleye, pike, and whitefish
- Lake Newell – walleye, pike, whitefish, and burbot. Known for its huge pikes.
- Twin Valley Reservoir – another pike lake in the Calgary area
- Clear Lake – pike lake located near Twin Valley Reservoir
- Keho Lake – located just north of Lethbridge and is known for its trophy-sized pike.
- Lesser Slave Lake – one of the largest and most productive fishing lakes in Alberta. Famous for its walleye and northern pike.