Historically, chain pickerel and northern pike didn’t get much
attention. That’s changing.
Brook trout and Atlantic salmon have always been at the top of the angling popularity charts in Atlantic Canada and northern New England. Even the introduction of other species—brown trout and rainbows, for example—has failed to dislodge them from the top spot. But things are changing. Unfortunately, native trout habitat is dwindling, and in many areas quality and quantity isn’t what it used to be. As for salmon, their future in some areas—New England and mainland Nova Scotia, in particular—is bleak, despite conservation measures and angling regulations designed to protect and enhance stocks.
This, and a different attitude among a new generation of anglers, has kindled an interest in species that were traditionally given little attention. Who would have thought, 30 years ago, that smallmouth bass would be the superstars they are today? While it’s doubtful that chain pickerel and northern pike will ever reach those heights of esteem and obsession, a growing number of anglers are looking to pickerel and pike to fill in some of the gaps that trout and salmon once filled.
Where to find them
Pike and pickerel are found in a wide variety of water and habitat, even in waters co-inhabited by brook trout, but often where trout and salmon are absent due to poor living conditions. Normally, chain pickerel prefer clear, quiet lakes and ponds with heavy weed growth. They will tolerate more murky waters, however, and even rivers and streams with little or no current. Chain pickerel actually desire water temperatures from 75 to 80˚F (23.9 to 26.6˚C).
Northern pike are a little fussier when it comes to preferred water temperatures. Smaller fish—those under 6 or 7 lb.—like areas in the 65 to 70˚F (18.3 to 21.1˚C) range, while larger pike like it a bit cooler, from 50 to 55˚F (10 to 12.8˚C). Pike can and do survive in almost any type of habitat, from shallow marshes to the shallow bays of large lakes, to small, coldwater rivers and streams. Typically, pike are most abundant in weedy bays and slow, meandering rivers with lots of weed growth. These preferences are one reason why pike are most common in more northern areas, where living conditions are cooler, such as Labrador, while pickerel are more common in southern waters, such as several of the lakes near Comeauville in Digby County, and near Yarmouth, in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia.
What makes pike and pickerel exciting
Three qualities quickly come to mind here: size, tenacity, and power. Of the two, pickerel are smaller, typically averaging just a few pounds (The world record, caught in Georgia back in 1961, weighed just over 9 lb.). Despite this fact, however, pickerel are strong fighters.
Northern pike, on the other hand, reach double-digit weights. I have caught them over a dozen pounds in Labrador, and I thought the devil himself was on the end of the line. Once hooked, northerns typically jump and thrash about on the surface and make long, powerful runs.
The manner in which both species attack offerings thrown their way is also exciting. Both fish are predatory in nature. Unless food is scarce, they do not generally cruise about looking for forage, but instead prefer to lie in wait for food to come to them. When it does, they strike with lightening speed and ferocity, often taking the angler completely by surprise. It is not unusual for pike in particular to follow a lure or fly, striking within a few feet of the boat or just as the offering is being lifted for the recast.
Both fish are willing takers of a variety of offerings. They will hit lures as readily as bait, and they can be caught on flies, both on top of the water and below the surface. This makes them available to anglers of all interests and, again, because both are predators and relatively easy to catch, open to anglers of all skill levels.
Some things to keep in mind
Despite the tendency to ambush and attack just about anything thrown in their direction, a few things should be kept in mind when angling for these fish. In a nutshell, the two seem to differ concerning when and where they strike an offering.
Most times, it is necessary to cover a lot of water when casting for pickerel. When doing so, it pays to keep in mind that these fish will nearly always be near weeds, grass or pond lilies, usually in water less than eight feet deep. Also, if cover is more predominant close to the banks, odds are they will be among it, but facing deeper water. On the other hand, if the weeds and grass are just offshore, say 10 to 15 feet or so, and the banks are clear, they will be found in the grass facing shoreward. During the summer months, when water levels recede, pickerel may be slightly further off shore, perhaps out 20-25 feet, where forage is more abundant, but normally they will be as close to shore as possible.
More times than not, the angler will receive more strikes by casting parallel to any weed or grass bed simply because more fish will see it. Also, pickerel are less likely to follow any food away from their sanctuary across or toward open water. For these reasons, whether wading or working for a boat, work and cast parallel to the shoreline rather than standing or sitting offshore and casting directly toward the banks.
While pickerel are apt to nail a fly or lure at any time of day—unlike many situations you’ll encounter bass fishing—they like a rather moderately fast retrieve at all times. When fishing flies, it may be necessary to position the rod under your arm or between your legs and retrieve line hand-over-hand, using both hands. If you are receiving short strikes, or if the fish seems to follow and then retreat just as the fly comes into view, chances are your retrieve is too slow.
Northern pike are a bit different. Light intensity has a great influence on when they feed. Generally speaking, late afternoon, say 3 p.m. to just before dusk, and from sunrise to around 10 a.m. are peak times. Feeding activity is also susceptible to water temperature. Pike definitely go on hiatus once temperatures climb above 60˚F (15.5˚C). In Labrador and Quebec this is rarely a problem, but it does happen on occasion in late July and early August.
Pike show a preference for cover—whether grass, lily pads, submerged logs, or stumps—and will position themselves in shallow water facing deep or open water just like pickerel. Again, position yourself close to shore and cast parallel to the banks.
Tackle
The primary reason that pickerel have a lackluster reputation as a fighter is that most anglers use tackle that is too heavy or powerful. Throughout the northeast region, spinning and bait-casting rods of 7 1/2 to eight feet, designed for light lines and lures, are a good choice. However, pure sport calls for something even lighter, namely ultra-light rods of five to 5 1/2 feet, equipped with suitable reels loaded with 3-lb. test line is the way to go. Ultra-light outfits like this allow long casts even with light lures and will let you feel the pickerel’s real fighting nature.
By the same token, light fly gear is also the best way to go. Rods of seven to eight feet, designed for 5-weight lines will more than handle these fish—even big ones. Because they’re found in shallow water, floating lines with long leaders (the same length as the rod), tapering to 2-lb. test tippets are advised, and as with terminal gear, accuracy is important. As for flies, Muddlers—and their many variants and relations, including Sculpin, and White Marabou—and other streamers, such as Mickey Finn, in size six to eight are adequate. Deer hair bass bugs and other floating poppers also work well. As for hardwear, anything small that flutters and shines on the retrieve is apt to work.
Northern pike typically require heavier gear due to their size and power. Spinning and fly rods with some backbone well down into the mid-section and butt are best for the larger specimens. Spinning reels equipped with 8-12 lb. test line, depending upon the size of pike at hand, will allow long casts with medium-sized lures. Dare Devils—particularly the traditional red/white but also some of the fluorescent colours—Flash Kings, Blue Fox Pixies, and just about all the bass plugs, crank baits, and lures in medium and large size work well with pike. You may have to experiment to see which size is most receptive, so go loaded with a well-stocked tackle box.
Fly rods in the 6, 7, or 8-weight class, again equipped with floating lines and leaders in the 6 to 10 lb. range will prove beneficial. The same flies used on pickerel work on pike, but carry larger sizes. There are few fly designs or patterns, either surface or sub-surface, that these fish will not take a look at. In grassy areas, “weedless” lures and flies are a great help.
There is one thing to keep in mind here, whether fishing with flies or lures. Northern pike have rows of sharp teeth that can cut clear and clean through monofilament with ease. Wire leaders are a must. They do not need to be long, around five inches, but without them most fish will be lost in short order.
Even then, another challenge awaits you with pike—and pickerel too—when they get close to the boat, net, or are about to be handled. When they appear played out, they have a tendency to make a sudden dash for freedom and can easily break off the line. Just another reason why these exciting fish should be overlooked no longer.
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