Due to policies of catch and release, in recent years there has been a boom in Canada pike fishing as pike are growing both in number and stature. In Canada pike are abundant, but some of the best lakes are found in the Yukon territories, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. While some of the pike hotspots can be driven to, as is often the case the only choice is to fly in or boat in.
These out of the way fishing holes have very little angling pressure as well as strong populations of walleye salmon which serve as a mainstay food source for larger pike. Abundance of food, large lakes, little angling pressure and catch and release tactics are the perfect recipe for catching trophy pike. As proof Ontario has shown to produce 40 and 50 pound pike in the past few years.
Canada pike fishing offers some distinct differences from normal fishing conditions, especially when it comes to water quality. Some lakes boast water clear enough to see 80 feet down. Other lakes can be cloudy and muddy with virtually no visibility for days at a time after a storm passes.
Still other lakes exhibit a reddish hue to high concentrations of dissolved iron in the water. Each of these waters requires different lures for successful Canada pike fishing. In clear water lakes red and silver colors tend to work well. For the muddy or red waters a yellow and red Five of Diamonds daredevil works well, or rattle baits to help the pike hone in on sound.
Toward the end of the season for Canada pike fishing, generally in August the lakes will change. Northern lakes have great warm weather for most of July and the early days of August, but colder arctic air sweeping down from the north will push the warm water deeper down the water table towards the middle or the bottom of the lake while the surface temperatures are much cooler. As the baitfish migrate to the warmer depths, so do the pike. When deep fishing for pike slow trolling techniques work the best. Some anglers insist that back trolling allows better control, but it comes down to preference.
The pike will be on the bottom of 30 to 60 feet of water and a common rig for getting down that for is a three-way swivel and a non-sinking lure. The typical setup is to run three feet of lead from the swivel to a one or two ounce sinker, and five to six feet of line from your swivel to your lure. Use 6 pound test for your leaders, as denser fishing lines don’t find the bottom so easily.
After you cast, let your sinker find the bottom. Start a nice, slow troll and reel your sinker up about a foot. When a pike bites you will have to reel in hard and fast to set the hook as there will be slack between your line and lure because of the sinker. This technique is adapted from trout fishing.
Naturally though you might consider taking a fishing trip later in the year and Canada pike fishing can be done even when the lakes are frozen over. If you do decide on ice fishing for pike there are a couple of safety tips to consider. The first one is the thickness of the ice. Never walk on ice that is less than four inches thick. The second consideration is to dress warmly. Layered clothing insulates better than single layers. Additionally you can shed layers if you are too warm and better regulate your heat. Also bring a change of clothes if you get wet, especially socks. Waterproof and windproof gloves, hats and boots come highly recommended, as does layering wool over cotton. A shelter or bivvy to stay out of the wind is a nice accessory as well.
Many lodges build tourist packages around Canada pike fishing, including ice fishing and may well have equipment or gear to rent or buy once you get there if you don’t have everything you need. No matter what the season or what the venue you are sure to find a memorable fishing adventure with Canada pike fishing.