Activities

The Northern Pike is one of Manitoba’s most iconic and widely distributed game fish. Known for their explosive runs, spectacular jumps, and tail walks at the boat-side, they offer some of the most exciting angling experiences in the province.

As a top predator, Northern Pike share the food chain with a few other species in Manitoba. From just a few weeks after hatching, pike begin feeding on smaller fish and grow rapidly due to their voracious appetite. They remain primarily piscivorous throughout their lives but are opportunistic feeders, also consuming leeches, dragonfly nymphs, crayfish, frogs, and occasionally mice, muskrats, or the young of aquatic birds.

Spawning & Habitat
Pike spawn in April and May, shortly after the ice leaves rivers and streams, though many lakes may still be partially frozen. Females move to shallow upstream waters and broadcast their adhesive eggs over vegetation, where they are fertilized by males. Females grow larger than males, with record catches reaching up to 150 cm (about 59 inches) or 37.8 pounds. Pike are most commonly found in cool, clear, quiet waters with vegetation or other cover. While prevalent in lakes, they can also inhabit slow-flowing areas of rivers, such as pools, eddies, and marginal waters.

Fishing Techniques
Catching Northern Pike is thrilling and can be accomplished with a variety of tactics:

• Casting: Crankbaits, spinners, spoons, or topwater lures into areas with cover
• Drift Fishing: Using a frozen smelt on a drop line with a bobber under rapids or in still water
• Fly Fishing: Productive early in the season in shallow waters with light line

Large baits are often most effective, especially for “Master Angler” fish over 41 inches. Strong line and a wire leader are essential to handle their sharp teeth and gill plates. Many anglers enjoy the challenge of landing multiple large Pike in a single day, sometimes even experiencing two Pike attacking simultaneously — or witnessing predatory Pike consume other fish caught on the line!

Northern Pike often share the same waters as walleye, so it’s common to catch Pike while targeting walleye. Pike tend to be less sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure, making them generally more catchable throughout the season.

Catch & Release Policy
Kitchi Island Outposts practices catch-and-release to maintain a healthy fishery:

• All Pike over 20 inches should be returned to the water unharmed
• Only smaller fish should be used for shore lunch or dinner
• Manitoba law requires barbless hooks; barbs must be pinched down
• Anglers are encouraged to cut one arm of each treble hook as well for extra protection

These measures ensure Pike are safely returned, allowing them to grow and reproduce, maintaining a thriving population for future anglers.