Gear & Tackle

Pike

Northern Pike Fishing in Colorado

Northern Pike
Image: Timothy Knepp, USFWS · Public domain

An ambush predator of Northern weedy lakes and backwaters. Pike hit big, flashy baits and flies and need a wire or heavy leader.

Waters
1
State
Colorado
Water
Freshwater
Methods
Fly, Spin & Bait

Prime Months in Colorado: Mar to May, Sep to Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

From the agency months on 1 Colorado water: Eleven Mile Reservoir.

Highlighted months are the best fishing; the other months are slower, not empty.

What to Use for Northern Pike

Fishing In

Northern Pike

Prime Now · Mar to May, Sep to Nov

Spin / Cast

7 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 30 to 50 lb braid, steel or titanium leader.

Rod, Reel and Line

  • RodSt. Croix Musky Casting Rod · 7 ft 6 in, heavy, fastCheck Price
  • ReelAbu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel · 6.7:1 low profileCheck Price
  • LinePowerPro Spectra Braided Line · 30 lb or 50 lbCheck Price

Tie On in November

  • Lure for November · 1/16 to 1 ozCasting SpoonSee Options

Picks: general for this fish, each checked against state and federal agency pages, not specific to this water. Ask a local shop what is working.

Gear: rods, reels and lines are starting points, sized from each maker's page. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a Colorado fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Where to Catch Northern Pike

1 of 1 waters

Lakes & Reservoirs · Colorado

Eleven Mile Reservoir

A 3,400-acre reservoir at 8,600 feet, known for fishing year-round.

Northern Pike: prime Mar to May, Sep to Nov

View Water

Shops to Stock Up

Northern Pike Fishing by State

Minnesota (10)Michigan (3)Idaho (3)North Dakota (3)Montana (3)New York (2)Wisconsin (2)Maryland (1)Indiana (1)Iowa (1)Vermont (1)Colorado (1)South Dakota (1)Illinois (1)