Dos and Don’ts of Pike Fishing in Remote Canadian Waters
Are you ready for the ultimate fishing adventure? You’ll find it chasing trophy pike in Manitoba, Canada! To make the most of this thrilling experience, follow some dos and don’ts of pike fishing in remote Canadian waters.
Do Get in the Weeds
Northern pike bring a whole new meaning to the phrase “in the weeds.” These fish love to hide in shallow, grassy waters where they wait to ambush their prey. In the early spring, they love hiding in the shallow reeds along the shoreline in 6″-18″ of water. As the water warms mid season, they will transition to the large cabbage weed beds in 5-10’ of water (some will still stay in the bays too). They are in ambush mode and will strike just about anything that dares to swim past them!
Using the Correct Lures or Flies
Pike are voracious eaters, and they’re highly attuned to visual and sonic cues. Use large, bright , shiny and colorful lures; spinners, spoons and shallow-running crank baits are tops, lures that even vibrate a little give an added plus. The pike will go after them with a vengeance. However, pike normally prefer smaller lures than the ones used for musky so be careful not to oversize. As an example, big pike love #5 Mepps but the larger musky-sized bucktail spinners. On plastics, plastic bodies in the 8-12″ range. For spoons, a 1 oz. Len Thompson or Daredevle will generally outfish the much larger 2 oz. and up. The largest Johnson Silver Minnow in 1 1/4 oz. is always a hot lure. Remember to add a twisty tail to the hook for added action.
Fly fishing is ideal for pike; twitchy, colorful flies like 6-8” streamers and Bunny bugs will attract the fish and allow you to fish slower presentations and ‘tease’ the fish. Mid summer flies will need a touch of weight and a weedless feature.
Watch Those Teeth!
Pike have some seriously sharp teeth, and you don’t want your fingers anywhere near them. Many bass fishermen new to pike have made this mistake once (but never twice !). When you land that monster pike, handle it with care. Try not to remove it from the water and use pliers or grips to remove the hook safely from its mouth. NEVER grab it by the eyes, this will stun and could kill the fish. When taking photos, try and hold the fish horizontally instead of vertically to decrease stress to the fish.
Remember, safety first and treat the fish as carefully as possible!
Do Go With an Experienced Guide or Manager
Heading out into remote Canadian waters with an experienced guide or manager, ideally someone who knows these waters like the back of their hand, is your best bet for landing the trophy pike of a lifetime. A great guide working from a main lodge or Canadian fly-in fishing outpost can show you the best spots, help you choose the right lures, avoid obstacles and ensure you have the most successful and enjoyable fishing trip possible.
If you’re after a fantastic pike fishing experience in remote Canadian waters, remember these essential dos and don’ts. You’ll be well on your way to enjoying the ultimate pike fishing adventure in the pristine waters of Manitoba!