Northern Pike — US fishing guide
Esox lucius
Esocidae
Svenska: Gädda
Northern Pike is one of North America's most sought-after freshwater game fish, found across northern us, upper midwest, northeast, great lakes. Below is where it lives, when it bites and how to catch it — plus the top US lakes where it has been recorded.
At a glance
Typical habitat
Weed edges, cool clear lakes and rivers
Active times
Daytime, dawn, dusk
Best season
Most active in cool water (spring, fall, winter)
US range
Northern US, upper Midwest, Northeast, Great Lakes
How to catch Northern Pike
Large spoons, spinners, jerkbaits along weed edges; steel leader essential
Lake-by-lake occurrence data for Northern Pike is being compiled from GBIF and will appear here soon. In the meantime, explore US lakes by state.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you find Northern Pike?
Northern Pike typically holds around weed edges, cool clear lakes and rivers. In the US it is common across northern us, upper midwest, northeast, great lakes.
When is the best time to catch Northern Pike?
Northern Pike is most active daytime, dawn, dusk, with the best fishing most active in cool water (spring, fall, winter).
What is the best way to fish for Northern Pike?
Large spoons, spinners, jerkbaits along weed edges; steel leader essential