Northern Pike Aplenty

Why are the fish are so active near the end of the season? Find out!

The Northern Ontario ice fishing season is almost a wrap, but before we bundle up all the good memories, there is one final detail we need to take care of, namely the best pike fishing of the season. The big toothy predators are only weeks away from spawning, so it is crucial that we handle them gently and carefully release the large egg-laden females, which is so much easier to do with the revolutionary hooking technique I am going to explain shortly. But first, let’s look at why the fish are so active right now.

“Normally, late winter fisheries catch large female pike as they appear to finish egg development by some 'last-minute' feeding before spring spawning,” says renowned ecocide specialist, Dr. John Cassselman. “In laboratory studies, when they are highly nourished, they actually stop feeding at this time of year and the egg sacs increase in size primarily by increasing the moisture content. But many large fish are either young fast-growers or pike that I consider to be somewhat undernourished.”

northern-pike-aplenty-2
Large late winter pike is typically egg-laden females that need to be carefully released.

Casselman explains that undernourishment often occurs when the previous summer water temperature was slightly below optimal for growth, resulting in delayed egg development. But he says that wasn’t the case in 2020, which was one of the warmest years on record, so we’re likely catching younger fast-growing fish.

Fascinating, too, are Casselman’s thoughts on why big pike, which are typically intolerant of competitors hanging around their territory, turn a blind eye to each other under the ice.

“These fish could very easily be of the same cohort,” says the Queen’s University professor. “I truly believe these large predators, which certainly have longevity, know the others are present. How deep this goes is only speculation. But certainly, if they were fried together, I suspect they might be even more tolerant of each other.  Rarely, for example, have I seen large pike with wounds I would consider to be associated with another large pike. I think there’s a whole level of behaviour here that requires some awe and respect that should encourage us to allow them to slip back into the hole after we catch them.”

northern-pike-aplenty-4
Gord Pyzer relies on circle hooks and large dead baits to catch late winter pike.

Oh, so true, and it is where the revolutionary new circle hook system comes into play.  Traditionally, ice anglers have relied on using quick-strike rigs fashioned by placing two #4 treble hooks about 2 1/2 inches apart on a metal or fluorocarbon leader. The first hook is, then, slipped under the skin of a fresh, foot-long dead sucker, herring or mackerel while the second hook is tucked under the skin near the tail.  The dead bait is then suspended a foot or two above the bottom under a tip-up.  When a pike engulfs the bait, the tip-up flag flies signalling the strike, and the angler sets the hooks immediately, hence the name “quick strike” rig.

Be sure to bring a 10-inch auger to drill the biggest hole possible - you’ll need it to land trophy pike in Northern Ontario.

Sometimes, however, anglers are caught napping around the campfire and miss spotting the flag, which can result in a deeply hooked fish. But it is not the case, if you substitute a single #5 circle hook for the two small trebles, as so many pike specialists are doing these days. Circle hooks are shaped like the talons on an eagle and slide inside a big pike’s mouth when you set the hook by pulling back on your line steadily and smoothly. The key is never jerking like you normally would do with a jig or lure. Just reel or pull steadily and the hook will slide into the corner of the pike’s mouth perfectly every time. This also means that you never risk getting one of the traditional treble hooks in your hand or face. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen. And without the second hook flying around, you never risk catching it under the ice and losing the fish. Finally, because you’re using only one large circle hook, you can gently slide your hand under one of the fish’s gill flaps and ease it up the hole. Talk about a win-win.

northern-pike-aplenty-6
Circle hooks resemble the claws on an eagle and help you safely land big fish

I always run my circle hooks under the skin in front of the dorsal fin of my dead bait so that the hook point is pointing toward the head and not the tail. It is a small detail that results in so many more trophies being safely landed—and released—during the final and best weeks of the ice fishing season.

About Gord Pyzer

Gord Pyzer is the fishing editor of Outdoor Canada magazine and field editor of In-Fisherman magazine. He is the co-host of the Real Fishing Radio Show and host of Fish Talk With The Doc.

Recommended Articles

Top 5 Musky Destinations in Ontario

The Musky Hunter shows you where to land the best musky in Ontario waters.

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

What baits do you use to target bass? Find out why these 5 are the best!

First Time Walleye Fishing for Beginners in Ontario

I was lucky to share that experience with first-time anglers twice last week. 

The Best of Both Worlds

From spring right through to late fall there are species that you can target close to the home base in the Spanish River

5 Deadliest Fishing Lures

Use these lures when ice fishing for lake trout in Northern Ontario.

Steelhead of the Upper Ganaraska

Known to most trout and salmon anglers as one of Ontario’s most popular fishing destinations.

10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!

Basin-Shape Walleye

Learn this proven technique to catch more walleye when ice fishing in Northern Ontario.

How to: Target Black Crappies (Part 1)

Learn to target Black Crappies in Ontario like an Elite Angler

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

Karl of Extreme Angler recommends must do walleye lakes in Ontario.

Spring Fishing Tips For Any Angler

Increase your chance of fishing success

Don't Forget The Umbrella

It's raining smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike here in Northern Ontario

Sniping For Lake Trout

If you love fishing for Lake Trout in Ontario, you’d be wise to hone your sharpshooting skills.

Top 5 Tips To Fish Smallmouth Bass in Ontario

Ontario has some of the top smallmouth bass opportunities. in the world.

Goulais River Muskie

A Hidden Gem for Ontario Muskie

Spring Perch Fishing

Use These Tips on Your Next Ontario Fishing Trip

Lake of the Muskies: An Angler's Paradise in Northwest Ontario

It’s not a question of will you catch a musky, but of how many.

Top 10 Fly Patterns for Brook Trout

Learn Brook Trout Fly Pattern Choices for Surface Fly Fishing

Big Basswood Lake Resort

Fishing for Smallmouth Bass in Algoma's Trophy Alley

Nordic Point Lodge

Epic Fishing & Luxury in Ontario's Sunset Country