Northern pike are one of the most aggressive freshwater fish species throughout Canada and the northern US. They are very adaptable and can make themselves right at home in a wide variety of lakes, reservoirs, and river systems. They can grow well into the 40-inch range and some can even stretch the tape past the 50-inch mark.
From the first time water passes through their gills, northern pike are aggressive and eager to feed. Because they can grow to monstrous sizes, it’s rare to find an angler who hasn’t dreamed of catching and releasing a trophy northern pike.
Over the years I’ve had the good fortune of fishing for northern pike at a variety of fly-in fishing lodges and remote lakes. At some of these spots, I’ve been lucky enough to catch and release some monstrous pike, including my personal best that measured in at 51-inches. On these trips, I have learned a lot about pike locations and effective lure presentations for catching these freshwater monsters throughout the spring and summer seasons.
I know what you’re going to say, “It’s much easier to catch big pike at fly-in fishing lodges where the pike is literally untouched”.
Yes, that’s true, however, northern pike in the far north have similar characteristics to pike in central and southern waterbodies. Many of the techniques I’ve learned on remote lakes and river systems have allowed me to consistently catch larger northern pike on public lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.
Big northern pike can be found in a wide variety of water bodies, but not every waterbody is created equal. I’ve fished places where 45-inch pike was consistently caught and released, and I’ve fished small lakes and reservoirs where the largest pike in the system topped out around 14- pounds. So researching and understanding what the lake or river system you’re fishing can produce is important to meet your expectations, and the best way to research and gain information about a water body is from local anglers. Regardless of what maximum size of pike the waterbody can produce, the biggest pike within any waterbody can be consistently caught if you use the right approach.
May/June
This story is from the Spring 2019 edition of Bob Izumi's Real Fishing.
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This story is from the Spring 2019 edition of Bob Izumi's Real Fishing.
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ONTARIO FISHING ADVENTURES
Last winter we did a special feature profiling several fantastic fishing resorts in various regions of Ontario. The article was so well received that we decided to do it again, with a new group of lodges. All of this year’s destinations provide top notch fishing for multiple species, they’re relatively unpressured and they are easily accessible by car. From high-end, full service resorts to more laid-back fishing camps, each of these locations offer a unique fishing experience. If you’re thinking about where to go for your next fishing getaway the following pages feature Bob Izumi's profiles of some the trips he made last year. Hopefully they will give you some ideas on where to look for a fishing trip that is sure to meet all of your expectations.
FISHING ALGOMA COUNTRY
Wil Wegman is an award-winning outdoor writer, seminar host and tournament angler from Bradford Ontario. In 2017 Wil was recognized for his dedication to the sport by being inducted into the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame. www.wilwegman.com
Tales from the Road
As you may know I like driving, so jumping in a vehicle and doing a road trip is appealing to me. For years I would routinely do 100,000 km per year or more on the road. So this Tales starts with me heading out again, back to Brennan Harbour Resort in Spanish, Ontario. Located in Algoma Country, this friendly resort is operated by James and Casey, who are a wonderful couple.
CHAIN PICKEREL ON STRIKE
I’ve never stalked a whitetail deer, but I imagine doing so is a bit like fishing for large chain pickerel. Success is found by locating those prime areas where the big ones live, and by working those areas thoroughly and patiently with exact techniques.
What's Cooking
Elk Tartare with Horseradish Crema
Tales From The Road
Since my last Tales article I’ve been averaging at least six days a week, sometimes seven, on the road. Road trips are, and have always been, a big part of my life. There’s just something about being on the go that I love. In fact, as I wrap up this column I’ll be hitting the road again and I can’t wait, even though I just got back a day ago. I think it’s ingrained in me so much that I don’t mind living out of a suitcase. I know it’s not for everybody, but I like it.
The MGM Fishing Trip
On the first Saturday of June 2020, a group of 20 extended family members will celebrate an amazing milestone. They will be participating in the 50th consecutive year of a family fishing trip begun by four founding members way back in 1971.
Hidden Gems
Every now and again we anglers are lucky enough to find lakes, ponds or creeks that feel so isolated from civilization that believing they are a reality is sometimes more difficult than finding them in the first place. Stumbling across, or being introduced to, a body of water with such enormous potential for catching fish is what any fishing enthusiast dreams of. Fortunately for myself, I have lucked out three times in one shot.
Black Crappie
The black crappie is a member of the sunfish family and features the same deep, laterally compressed body shape as other sunfishes.
Fly Tricks For Fall Trout
In the fall, fly fishing changes. Not only does the weather cool, the bug activity often quiets down as well. Different techniques are needed to adapt to the rivers where fish are often looking for different food. Searching techniques and paying attention to details can improve your success.
