Popular freshwater game fish noted for their intense fighting prowess and aggressive feeding habits are the northern pike. In lakes, rivers, and streams all around the Northern Hemisphere, one can find these fish. Using topwater lures is one of the most thrilling ways to catch northern pike. Everything you need to know about using topwater lures to catch northern pike is covered in this article.

What are Topwater Lures?

Fishing lures, called topwater lures, are made to float or suspend on the water’s surface. They are quite often used for northern pike, bass, and musky. Topwater lures are made of a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal, and they are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Why Use Topwater Lures for Northern Pike Fishing?

Using topwater lures for northern pike fishing is an exciting and effective way to catch these fish. When a northern pike strikes a topwater lure, it creates an explosive surface strike that is sure to get your heart racing. In addition, using topwater lures allows you to cover a lot of water quickly, making it easier to find active fish. Topwater lures are also ideal for fishing in shallow water, where northern pike often feed.

Types of Topwater Lures for Northern Pike Fishing

While fishing for northern pike, a variety of topwater lures are efficient. The most well-liked are listed below:

1. Poppers – Poppers are topwater lures that are designed to create a popping or splashing noise when retrieved. They typically have a concave face that catches water and creates a popping sound. Poppers are great for imitating injured baitfish and can be fished slowly or quickly, depending on the feeding habits of the fish.
2. Walk-the-Dog Lures – Walk-the-dog lures are topwater lures that are designed to create a side-to-side walking motion when retrieved. They are typically long and slender, with a single treble hook at the tail. Walk-the-dog lures are great for imitating fleeing baitfish and can be fished at a variety of speeds.
3. Prop Baits – Prop baits are topwater lures that have one or more propellers that create a splashing or churning noise when retrieved. They are typically fished slowly and can be great for imitating wounded baitfish.
4. Buzzbaits – Buzzbaits are topwater lures that have a metal blade that spins and creates a buzzing or humming noise when retrieved. They are typically fished quickly and can be great for covering a lot of water quickly and triggering aggressive strikes.

There are numerous brands to choose from when selecting the best topwater lure for northern pike fishing. Here are a few well-liked choices that many anglers have found successful:

1. Rapala – Rapala is a well-known brand that offers a variety of topwater lures for northern pike fishing, including the Skitter Pop and the X-Rap Pop.
2. Heddon – Heddon is another popular brand that offers a range of topwater lures for northern pike fishing, including the Zara Spook and the Super Spook.
3. Booyah – Booyah offers a selection of topwater lures, including the Buzzbait and the Pad Crasher Frog, which have proven effective for northern pike fishing.
4. Rebel – Rebel offers a range of topwater lures for northern pike fishing, including the Pop-R and the Jumpin’ Minnow.
5. Strike King – Strike King offers a variety of topwater lures, including the KVD Sexy Dawg and the Sexy Frog, which are effective for northern pike fishing.

Techniques for Using Topwater Lures for Northern Pike Fishing

Topwater lures may be used in a variety of ways to catch northern pike when fishing. The most well-liked are listed below:

1. Slow and Steady – One of the most effective techniques for using topwater lures for northern pike fishing is to retrieve the lure slowly and steadily, creating a steady surface disturbance. This technique is great for imitating injured or dying baitfish and can be especially effective when fishing in calm or clear water.
2. Stop and Go – Another effective technique for using topwater lures for northern pike fishing is to retrieve the lure with a stop-and-go motion. This technique involves retrieving the lure quickly, and then pausing briefly to allow the lure to float to the surface before retrieving it again. This technique can be great for imitating fleeing baitfish and triggering aggressive strikes.
3. Walking the Dog – To use a walk-the-dog lure for northern pike fishing, cast the lure out and retrieve it with a steady, rhythmic motion. This motion will cause the lure to dart from side to side, imitating the motion of a wounded baitfish. It is important to maintain constant tension on the line during the retrieve to ensure that the lure continues to walk properly.
4. Popping and Pausing – To use a popper for northern pike fishing, cast the lure out and retrieve it with short, quick pops of the rod tip. This will cause the lure to create a popping or splashing noise on the surface, imitating the sound of an injured baitfish. After each pop, pause briefly to allow the lure to float to the surface before popping it again. This technique can be especially effective in calm or clear water, where the sound of the popping lure will be more easily heard by the fish.
5. Buzzing and Burning – While fishing for northern pike, toss the lure out and retrieve it swiftly and steadily so that the blade spins and produces a buzzing or humming sound on the water’s surface. When there is little light, this method can be particularly effective because fish are more likely to be feeding close to the surface.

When to Use Topwater Lures for Northern Pike Fishing

Topwater lures can be effective for northern pike fishing throughout the year, but there are certain times and conditions when they are particularly effective. Here are some tips for when to use topwater lures for northern pike fishing:

1. Early Morning and Late Evening – Northern pike are most active in the early morning and late evening when the water is cooler and there is less light. During these times, topwater lures can be particularly effective for triggering aggressive strikes.
2. Overcast Days – On overcast days, northern pike are more likely to be feeding near the surface, as they feel more secure in the low light conditions. Topwater lures can be particularly effective these days, as they create a surface disturbance that is more easily seen by the fish.
3. Shallow Water – Northern pike are frequently found in shallow water, especially in the spring and fall when they spawn or feed on baitfish. Topwater lures are good for shallow-water fishing because they can be recovered without becoming tangled on the bottom.
4. Clear Water – Northern pike are more likely to be startled by the sight of a lure in clear water, making it more challenging to catch them. As they produce a surface disturbance that is less likely to spook the fish, topwater lures can be productive in clear water.
5. Aggressive Feeding Behavior – When a northern pike is feeding aggressively, they are more likely to strike at a topwater lure. Look for signs of feeding behavior, such as splashing or jumping baitfish, and use a topwater lure to imitate the action.

Tips for Using Topwater Lures for Northern Pike Fishing

Here are some additional tips for using topwater lures for northern pike fishing:

1. Use the Right Equipment – To effectively fish with topwater lures for northern pike, it is important to use the right equipment. Use a medium to heavy action rod with a fast or extra-fast tip, and a reel with a high gear ratio. This will allow you to quickly retrieve the lure and set the hook when a fish strikes.
2. Match the Hatch – When selecting a topwater lure, it is important to match the hatch or imitate the type of baitfish that the northern pike is feeding on. Look for lures that closely resemble the size, shape, and color of the baitfish in the area.
3. Experiment with Retrieval Speed – Different northern pike may prefer different retrieval speeds, so it is important to experiment with different speeds until you find what works best. Start with a slow, steady retrieve and gradually increase the speed until you find the right pace.
4. Vary Your Retrieval Technique – Northern pike can be finicky and may not respond to the same retrieval technique every time. Vary your technique by using different types of topwater lures and different retrieval speeds to see what the fish responds to.
5. Be Patient – Fishing with topwater lures for northern pike can be exciting, but it can also require patience. Northern pike may follow a lure without striking, so be prepared to make multiple casts and try different techniques until you get a bite.
6. Pay Attention to Water Temperature – Northern pike are cold-water fish, and they are most active in water temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Pay attention to the water temperature and adjust your technique accordingly.
7. Use Polarized Sunglasses – Polarized sunglasses can be a valuable tool for northern pike fishing, as they allow you to see into the water and locate fish. Look for areas where the water is disturbed or where you can see schools of baitfish.
8. Practice Catch and Release – Northern pike are a popular game fish, but they are also important to the ecosystem. Practice catch and release by using barbless hooks and handling the fish carefully to ensure their survival.

Topwater Lures for Northern Pike Fishing

There are many different types of topwater lures that can be used for northern pike fishing. Here are some of the most popular:

1. Popper – A popper is a topwater lure that creates a popping or splashing noise on the surface when retrieved. Poppers are effective for northern pike fishing, as they imitate the sound of an injured baitfish.
2. Buzzbait – A buzz bait is a topwater lure that creates a buzzing or humming noise on the surface when retrieved. Buzzbaits are effective for northern pike fishing, particularly in low-light conditions.
3. Walk-the-Dog Lure – A walk-the-dog lure is a topwater lure that creates a side-to-side walking motion when retrieved. Walk-the-dog lures are effective for northern pike fishing, as they imitate the motion of a wounded baitfish.
4. Frog – A frog lure is a topwater lure that imitates the appearance and motion of a frog. Frog lures are effective for northern pike fishing in weedy areas, as they can be retrieved without getting snagged in the weeds.
5. Minnow – A minnow lure is a topwater lure that imitates the appearance and motion of a small fish. Minnow lures are effective for northern pike fishing, particularly when the fish are feeding on baitfish.
6. Surface Plug – A surface plug is a topwater lure that floats on the surface and creates a disturbance when retrieved. Surface plugs are effective for northern pike fishing, particularly in calm or clear water.

Conclusion

Northern pike is a popular game fish that can be caught using a variety of techniques, including topwater lures. When using topwater lures for northern pike fishing, it is important to use the right equipment and techniques and to pay attention to water temperature and other environmental factors. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of catching a trophy northern pike using a topwater lure. Remember to practice catch and release to ensure the survival of these important fish and the ecosystems in which they live.