Overview

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or someone new to the sport, you’ve likely heard the stories and tales of anglers battling one of Yellowknife’s most formidable fish, the Northern Pike. Some of Yellowknife’s waterways teem with pike, but success isn’t just about luck—it’s about knowing where to go, when to be there, and how to set up your rig for the best chance at landing one. In this guide, Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures’s expert fishing guides will walk you through how to find these fish, top bait and line options for a successful catch, and why booking a guided excursion will take your experience to the next level.

Highlights

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the rush of a Northern Pike hooking onto your line. Unlike some fish where you wonder if you’ve got a nibble, with pike, you’ll instantly feel the full power of your opponent as the battle begins.

Knowing the right locations, techniques, and gear is key to reeling in a trophy catch. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about pike fishing in Yellowknife so you can make the most of your time on the water.

Is It Hard To Catch a Northern Pike?

Catching a Northern Pike isn’t difficult when you’re in the right spot, but keeping them on the hook is another story. These freshwater predators are known for their impressive size, rows of razor-sharp, backward-pointing teeth, and explosive strikes that rip the line off your reel in seconds. In other words, they’re aggressive predators that don’t just bite—they spin, roll, and run to break free.

If you’re not prepared with the right setup and techniques, you could find yourself watching your trophy fish escape right before your eyes. With the proper methods, reeling in a big pike is a fight you won’t soon forget.

What Month Is Best To Fish for Northern Pike?

While you can catch pike year-round, some seasons are better than others.

Here’s what catching Northern Pike looks like by season:

  • Spring: Ice moving out of bodies of water triggers the spawn, bringing pike into shallow areas where they’re aggressive and easy to target.
  • Summer: As temperatures rise, larger pike move to deeper waters, but they remain active, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Fall: Prepare for a pre-winter feeding frenzy. This is one of the best times to catch big pike because they’re busy bulking up for the colder months.
  • Winter: For those willing to brave the cold, the Northern Pike remains active under the ice and can be caught using tip-ups or jigging techniques.

Where Do You Find Pike in Yellowknife?

Yellowknife is renowned for its pristine waters and abundant pike populations and is the home of some of Canada’s best fishing spots.

Here are a few top locations:

  • Great Slave Lake: As one of North America’s largest and deepest lakes, its shallow bays and weed beds create perfect hunting grounds for pike.
  • Yellowknife Bay: Easily accessible and loaded with fish, this area is a prime location for landing big pike without straying too far from town.
  • Prosperous Lake: Just a short drive from Yellowknife, this lake is a pike hotspot in early summer, with shallow feeding areas full of action.
  • Prelude Lake: Known for clear waters and a healthy pike population, this is an excellent spot for anglers targeting numbers and size.

How Deep Do Pike Sit?

Northern Pike can be found at varying depths depending on the season and water conditions.

During the spring and early summer, they tend to linger in the shallows—typically between 3 to 10 feet deep—where the water warms faster and prey is abundant. As summer progresses and temperatures rise, larger pike move into deeper waters, often settling in depths of 15 to 30 feet near weed edges, submerged structures, or drop-offs where they can ambush unsuspecting prey.

In the fall, pike return to mid-range depths, aggressively feeding in preparation for winter. During the winter and ice fishing season, they can be found at multiple levels, often cruising just above the lakebed or suspending in 10 to 20 feet of water, depending on oxygen levels and food sources.

Understanding these depth changes is key to successfully targeting Northern Pike in Yellowknife’s waters. Partnering with an experienced guide helps ensure you’re always fishing at the correct depth, no matter the season.

How Do You Catch a Pike?

Once you’re “on the fish,” it may seem like you’re already halfway to winning the battle, but you’ll still need to know how to catch a pike if you want to land one and go home with a story that you can share with colleagues, loved ones, and friends.

Some of the top techniques for hooking pike include:

  • Casting and retrieving: Target weed beds, rocky points, and drop-offs where pike ambush prey.
  • Trolling: Slowly drag lures behind your boat. This method works well for covering larger areas.
  • Jigging: Bob your line up and down. This is effective for deeper water, especially during ice fishing season.

How to Rig for Pike

To successfully land a pike, you’ll need the right equipment to complement your strategy. You definitely want the right setup and a rod and reel that’s cut out for this job. A medium-heavy to heavy-action rod paired with a strong baitcasting or spinning reel is ideal for setting your hook properly.

You’ll also want a teeth-proof leader material since pike are known for having razor-sharp mouths. Use steel or heavy fluorocarbon to stop them from cutting your line and getting away.

What Line Is Best for Pike?

You’ll thank yourself for using a strong braided or fluorocarbon line to withstand the pike’s sharp teeth and powerful runs. It should pass a 20 to 40 lb test.

Braided line offers excellent strength, low stretch, and durability against pike’s powerful surges. Fluorocarbon is less visible in the water. Consider this your best option when conditions are clear, and when you want to stay off your fish’s visual radar but still need optimal abrasion resistance.

What Are the Best Bait and Lures for Catching Pike in Canada?

Pike are attracted to flashy, fast-moving lures that facilitate explosive surface strikes, including large spoons, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures. Live fish and fish eggs aren’t permitted to be used as bait in Yellowknife, but you can still use dead bait to create an attractive, scent-driven presentation. The best choices include frozen herring or smelt and cut bait from legal sources like pieces of whitefish or cisco.

Matching your bait choice to the season and water conditions will significantly improve your chances of catching a trophy pike.

What Colours Do Pike See Best?

Northern Pike are visual predators that rely on contrast, movement, and vibration to locate their prey. Studies suggest that pike see colors similar to humans, with a strong sensitivity to red, orange, yellow, and white.

These bright, high-contrast colors stand out in murky or deep waters, making them excellent choices for luring pike into thinking your line is their ticket to their next meal.

Here’s what you need to know about these colors:

  • Red and orange: Imitates injured prey, triggering pike’s instinct to strike
  • Yellow and bright neon yellowish green: High visibility in stained or darker waters, ensuring your lure gets noticed
  • White and silver: Mimics natural baitfish and works well in clear water conditions
  • Black and dark colors: Effective in low-light conditions or when fishing at deeper depths where contrast is essential

Experiment with colors based on water clarity, weather conditions, and the pike’s activity level for the best results. A well-placed, brightly colored lure with the right movement is irresistible to these aggressive predators.

Are There Daily Catch Limits on Pike in Yellowknife?

Yes. When you’re planning to reel in some Northern Pike in Yellowknife, it’s important to know the rules. In most waters, you can keep up to three pike per day, with limited size restrictions. Some lakes have special rules, including catch-and-release-only zones to help preserve local fish populations.

If you opt for a fishing package with a guide, part of their job is to stay aware of these regulations even as they evolve, explain limitations as they apply to each area, and facilitate a stress and hassle-free angling experience.

A knowledgeable guide helps take the guesswork out of these regulations, ensuring you stay within legal limits while focusing on the thrill of the catch. With an expert, you can enjoy a hassle-free fishing experience without worrying about unintentional violations that could impact your trip or the region’s natural ecosystems.

Can You Fish in Canada Without a License?

A fishing license is required for most visitors to fish for pike in Yellowknife.

However, there are a few exceptions, like:

  • Non-resident minors fishing with a licensed adult—unless additional permits are required
  • Certain designated areas, like wildlife parks, require extra permitting beyond a standard Yellowknife fishing license

To avoid surprises, always check the latest fishing regulations before your trip—or book a guided excursion to simplify the process.

Pike Fishing Packages Give You Access to the Best Spots

Are pike fishing packages worth it? They are when you find yourself having the time of your life and finding fish with the help of an experienced and passionate local. A guided fishing trip means you’ll find the best fishing spots quickly, stay within regulations without stress, get expert tips on landing your trophy pike in real time, and enjoy unforgettable adventures in a gorgeous and unpolluted environment.

When you’re serious about catching a big Northern Pike while making the most of your time on the water, a guided pike fishing package is the way to go.

Book Your Pike Trip to Yellowknife Today

Now that you know where, when, and how to catch Northern Pike in Yellowknife, it’s time to book your adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer looking for an unforgettable fishing experience, a guided excursion will give you the best chance of landing a monster pike. With the right guide, techniques, gear, and lure choices, you’ll be well-equipped to land a powerful fish in Yellowknife’s pristine waters.

Ready to feel the thrill of the fight? Connect with Yellowknife Sportfishing Adventures at (867) 447-4868 to plan your pike fishing trip today.