Gear & Tackle

Pike

Northern Pike Fishing in Wisconsin

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

Waters
2
State
Wisconsin
Water
Freshwater
Methods
Fly, Spin & Bait

Best Months in Wisconsin: Apr to Jun, Sep to Oct

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Northern Pike
Image: Timothy Knepp, USFWS · Public domain

Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a Wisconsin 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.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Plan by Month

Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Northern Pike

Month

4 picks for October.

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Rod & Reel

Northern Pike Setup

Fly

9 ft 8 or 9 wt rod, floating or intermediate line, wire or 40 lb bite tippet.

Spin / Cast

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

Wisconsin

Where to Catch Northern Pike

2 of 2 waters

Lakes & Reservoirs · Wisconsin

Chippewa Flowage

A 14,593-acre Sawyer County flowage east of Hayward with abundant walleye and common musky, bass, and northern pike, reached from six public landings.

Walleye · Muskellunge · Largemouth Bass

Lakes & Reservoirs · Wisconsin

Lac Courte Oreilles

A 5,139-acre Sawyer County lake near Hayward, up to 90 feet deep, with abundant northern pike and common musky, smallmouth, and walleye.

Northern Pike · Muskellunge · Smallmouth Bass

Wisconsin

Shops to Stock Up

Recommended

Gear for Northern Pike

Reels

Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel

A reliable baitcaster for jigs, Texas rigs, and moving baits.

Check Price

Fly Rods

Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 10 wt Fly Rod

Backbone for big flies, heavy wind, and fish that run into the backing.

Check Price

Rods

St. Croix Musky Casting Rod

A heavy, long casting rod for big bucktails, jerkbaits, and figure-eights.

Check Price

Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

Check Price

Hard Baits

Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait

A suspending jerkbait that shines in cold, clear water.

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Northern Pike Fishing by State

Minnesota (6)North Dakota (3)New York (2)Wisconsin (2)Vermont (1)South Dakota (1)Montana (1)