The Northern Predators: A Guide to Walleye and Pike Fishing
As you travel north, the water gets colder, the lakes get clearer, and the predators change. The top of the food chain in many of the nation’s northern lakes and rivers is ruled by two legendary fish: the elusive, glassy-eyed walleye and the ferocious, toothy northern pike. While often found in the same waters, they are two completely different adversaries requiring different tactics, tackle, and mindsets. This guide is your introduction to the thrilling world of these northern predators.
Meet the Quarry: The Glassy-Eyed Walleye and the Toothy Pike
Walleye: The Light-Sensitive Legend
The walleye is prized for three things: its beautiful, pearlescent eyes, the incredible subtlety of its bite, and its unmatched quality as table fare. Those large, glowing eyes are specially designed to gather light, giving them a huge advantage in dark, deep, or stained water. They are masters of the low-light bite, most actively feeding at dawn, dusk, at night, or on heavily overcast days.
Northern Pike: The Ultimate Ambush Predator
The northern pike is a long, lean, eating machine. With its olive green, chain-like markings and a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth, it is the undisputed apex predator in many northern lakes. Pike are masters of ambush. They will lie perfectly still near weed beds or submerged logs, waiting for an unsuspecting baitfish (or your lure) to swim by before attacking with incredible speed and violence.
Gearing Up for Walleye and Pike
A medium-power, fast-action spinning rod from our rod guide is the perfect all-around tool for both species. A 2500 or 3000-size spinning reel with 10-pound test braided line is a great setup. The one critical difference: When fishing for pike, you MUST use a heavy-duty leader. A 12-inch steel leader or a very heavy (60-80 lb) fluorocarbon leader is necessary to prevent their sharp teeth from cutting your line. For walleye, a lighter 8-10 lb fluorocarbon leader is all you need.
Top Lures and Baits for Northern Predators
While their tastes differ, both fish are aggressive predators. Walleye tend to prefer smaller, more subtle presentations, while pike are attracted to large, flashy, and noisy lures. Choosing the right one is key. We take a deep dive into all the options in our Guide to the Best Lures for Walleye and Pike.
Proven Techniques for Walleye and Pike
Jigging for Walleye
The number one technique for catching walleye is jigging. A simple lead-head jig tipped with a soft plastic grub or a live minnow is the most effective walleye presentation ever created. It allows you to precisely target fish holding close to the bottom on points, humps, and drop-offs. We cover the nuances of this technique in our guide to Walleye Fishing Techniques.
Casting for Pike
Catching pike is often a much more aggressive affair. The classic technique is casting large, flashy lures near the edges of weed beds and other cover. Big spoons, noisy spinnerbaits, and large swimbaits are all classic choices for triggering a violent strike from a lurking pike. We’ll show you the ropes in our Complete Guide to Catching Northern Pike.
A Whole New Season: An Introduction to Ice Fishing
For millions of anglers in the north, the fishing season doesn’t end when the lakes freeze—it just gets started. Walleye and pike are two of the most popular targets for ice fishermen. This unique style of fishing involves drilling a hole through the ice and using specialized, short rods to jig directly over fish you mark on a sonar unit. It’s a fun and social way to enjoy the sport, and we’ll introduce you to this exciting world in our Beginner’s Guide to Ice Fishing.
Handling These Fish with Care (and Caution)
A walleye’s spiny dorsal fin and sharp gill plate demand respect. Hold them firmly by the back of the head, or use a gripper and pliers. A northern pike demands even more caution. Their mouth is full of teeth, as are their gill plates. Never handle a pike near the gills. Use a jaw spreader to safely control the fish and long-nosed pliers to remove your lure. This protects both you and the fish.
-Captain Sal
