ADF&G biologist breaks down how to fish for northern pike

ADF&G has published an instructional video on northern pike fishing, presented by Matt Albert, a research biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Albert covers gear setup, lure selection, fish behavior, and catch-and-release technique across a range of Alaska pike waters.

Behavior Informs Technique

Albert explains that pike are ambush predators oriented toward structure: shorelines, sunken trees, weed beds, and lily pads. Smaller fish hold tight to cover, while larger fish above roughly 10 pounds move into more open water once they outgrow most predators. On gear, a steel leader is not optional. "Pike have sharp teeth, they'll easily cut through either braided or monofilament line," Albert said. He recommends spinning rods or baitcasters in the 6-to-8.5-foot range loaded with 30-pound braided line, paired with a barrel swivel to prevent line twist from spinning lures. Lure options range from subsurface spoons, spinners, and plugs to soft plastics and surface lures; Albert notes that a 3-to-6-inch lure covers most pike fishing applications.

The video also addresses the species' range. Northern pike are native to areas north of the Alaska Range, including interior, western, southwestern Alaska, and the North Slope. South of the Alaska Range, pike have become established as an invasive species through illegal introductions.

Release Practices Matter

Albert demonstrates safe handling and weighing technique. He cautions that many scales grab fish by their jaws, snout, or gills, which can cause internal damage on larger fish as the weight pulls on those points. His recommended method is to keep the fish in a rubber or knotless mesh net bag and attach the scale to the net rather than to the fish directly. He demonstrates the approach on a pike he measured at approximately 37 inches and 16.5 pounds. Albert also recommends barbless single hooks and keeping pliers on hand, noting that even barbless hooks can be difficult to remove from pike's bony mouths.