Northern pike (*Esox lucius*) are often considered voracious predators in the freshwater fishing community. Known for their aggressive feeding habits, these fish will consume the young of their species as well as other game fish like perch, walleyes, and even smaller pike. Due to their size and dietary preferences, the selection of lures for pike fishing tends to be larger than those typically used for trout, yet generally smaller than the lures intended for muskies.
"The best pike lures are typically outsized, but smaller than you’d fling for muskies," said Jim Edlund, a fishing expert with years of experience targeting these formidable fish. As Edlund notes, various factors influence lure choice, including the water's depth, clarity, temperature, surrounding vegetation, and prevailing weather conditions.
"The best pike lures are typically outsized, but smaller than you’d fling for muskies,"
When the water cools, Edlund favors spoons for their reliable action, while spinnerbaits are typically slow-rolled at this time. His strategy involves adjusting the retrieve speed as water temperatures rise.
"If I’m fishing around heavy weeds, I reach for the venerable Johnson Silver Minnow with a white or yellow curly-tail grub trailer," he stated. This approach showcases the importance of adaptability in pike fishing tactics.
"If I’m fishing around heavy weeds, I reach for the venerable Johnson Silver Minnow with a white or yellow curly-tail grub trailer,"
As temperatures increase to about 65 degrees, pike tend to seek deeper waters. "I’ll break out lead-core line and troll deeper, open water with a variety of crankbaits, or just the X-Rap Magnums or large Rat-L-Trap-shaped baits," Edlund explained. This technique allows him to cover more ground and target larger pike that have moved away from the shallows.
"I’ll break out lead-core line and troll deeper, open water with a variety of crankbaits, or just the X-Rap Magnums or large Rat-L-Trap-shaped baits,"
Throughout the fall season, Edlund continues to adapt his strategy, often practicing what he refers to as “Iowa Speed Trolling” at speeds between 2.8 to 3.5 mph, utilizing spoons along weed lines and over still lush cabbage patches.
Within North America, several lures have proven themselves indispensable for targeting northern pike. Edlund emphasizes that classic options such as the Eppinger Dardevle spoons, in-line bucktail spinners, and Johnson Silver Minnows should form the bedrock of any pike angler's tackle box. He lists out his top choices for pike lures:
* **Best Spoon:** Eppinger Dardevle * **Best In-line Spinner:** Mepps Aglia Tandem * **Best Weedless Spoon:** Johnson Silver Minnows * **Best Spinnerbait:** Northland Fishing Tackle Reed-Runner Magnum Spinnerbait * **Best Jerkbait:** Rapala X-Rap Magnum * **Best Swimbait:** Berkley Magic Swimmer Saltwater * **Best Chatterbait:** Z-Man Big Blade
By the Numbers
Among his preferred lures, the Eppinger Dardevle stands out. Edlund remarked, "Whether cast or trolled, it’s hard to beat the historical track record of the classic Eppinger Dardevle." With a variety of sizes available, ranging from the lightweight 2/32-ounce "Skeeter" models to the hefty 3 1/4-ounce "Huskie" spoons, anglers are advised to match their lure choice based on the target pike’s size and the fishing depth.
" With a variety of sizes available, ranging from the lightweight 2/32-ounce "
Championship Implications
"If trolling, consider the 1 1/2 Troll Devle and casting 3/4- or 1-ounce," Edlund advised. He points out that larger spoons are more effective when fishing in Canadian waters or areas known for housing gigantic pike. He underscores the necessity of having various sizes and staple colors on hand, recommending combinations of red/white, black/white, yellow/red, and hammered brass or silver.
"If trolling, consider the 1 1/2 Troll Devle and casting 3/4- or 1-ounce,"
Finally, Edlund emphasized safety measures when fishing for pike. "Make sure to combine it with a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader to prevent bite-offs — that goes for all of the lures on this list," he noted.
"Make sure to combine it with a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader to prevent bite-offs — that goes for all of the lures on this list,"
Ultimately, fishing for northern pike is as much about strategy as it is about gear. With the right lures and techniques, anglers can significantly improve their odds of catching these aggressive and powerful fish. As techniques evolve and fishing conditions fluctuate, keeping up with the most effective lures will ensure pike anglers stay on the cutting edge of success, making each fishing trip a rewarding adventure.
