Northern Pike

[bwkre 11]

I doesn't appear that many members fish pike. I have a friend that said pike is good eating once you learn to fillet it properly. My son and I were out yesterday and decided to keep the one and only pike we caught. It was my first attempt at filleting a pike and I only missed a short section of the y bone on one piece. Anyway I thought the meat was good, mild and not oily or fishy tasting. We did a shake n bake and fry. Is it true that cold water pike is better tasting than warmer water? Yesterdays temp in Lake Superior was around 55 F. At what temperature would you not keep pike, I wouldn't want to keep and waste any fish. I've only been fishing for about 2 years so I've got a lot to learn.

[Thefishleclair 175]

Pike is great eating, If ya keep catching them in Superior dont worry about when the get mushy, Water there is cold enough to keep em firm all year round.

As for knowing when? I would just say July and Aug for all other lakes. It seems the flesh just gets mushy. Could be from the warm water temps on the top if ya stringer em or they just dont fair well in the heat. I catch and eat enough pike, Ill keep em in the dog days of summer too but make fish cakes with em.

[Foozer 194]

I rarely target them, but am more than happy to keep em all year round.

I make em a number of different ways, and once the Y-bones are out, they are as good or better than many other game fish as table fare.

Fish cakes are a great idea too, but I normally mix up some cajun style beer batter and fry them up quick....then consume.

[Guest cstclair]

Where are some places to go for pike? In and around town? I have been to the mouth of the current many times with no luck.

[Chuck 19]

Throw a couple in the smoker Wonderfull I like to dry out the tail section in the smoker Pike Jerky

[bwkre 11]

Thanks for the responses. We were targeting Pike this weekend, that's about it that is open.

Cstclair, we were at Sturgeon Bay trolling about 15 feet from shore where the road runs parallel to the lake. You could certainly cast that far from shore if your not boating. They were not very aggressive. In an hour or so we had 4 hits but lost 3. Not sure how many species the bay supports but my dad said the bay was used to stock pile logs from local logging back in the day. From there I assume they were floated to the mill? He said the bay, being so sheltered, is full of bark. Along the far end the bottom is mush. Best results are by the road. It is about a 40 min drive from town.

[Guest cstclair]

Nice! Good to know! Pike are normally very aggressive but it's still early!

[Guest jackfish pete]

I normally release pike but I have picked up a few tricks from days at Quetico with no walleye for the pan. Cold water pike are much better than warm water pike. I have never taken a water temperature in my life but I know that if you stick you hand in the water and if feels warmer than the air, it's probably going to be an oily, mushy fish. Warm water pike are best when poached,; this seperates the oil from the meat. The medium small fish (22-28") are the best to eat. I can't imagine cooking up a 20 pounder.

Remember that in zone 9 (Lake Superior) you cannot keep any pike between 27 and 36 inches, only 1 over 36. In zone 6 (inland TBay) the size restriction is 1 fish over 27 inches.

Good luck!

[bwkre 11]

Must be the time of year cause none pf the 4 put up much of a fight. Usually it's a fight right to the end (net) and then some. Even on the stringer for 15 min it was like he was dead. Put up a fight again when I took him out of the water to load the boat. He was good eating though!

[jason 5]

The Pine River is good for pike up hwy 61 as well. Just turn left on Memory road and the boat launch is visible on right hand side on a corner.

Jason

[bwkre 11]

Thanks for the suggestion Jason. I've never been there, but will soon. Camping starts this weekend so maybe next.

Brian

[shmanks 21]

went to a river where i know pike walleye and bass are was hoping for some pike or bass ended up catching a bunch of specks lol ahhh i love adventures also caught one tiny bass but no pike or walleye

[brookiebuster 117]

Always nice when that happens!

[jason 5]

Ya its like the Pigeon River, never know whats gonna be on the line lol. Even massive snapping turtles likes to bite.

[Guest fancy pants]

There was a video link posted on the board a while back. Easiest method to cleaning them that I had ever found. I use it and it works fantastic.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBFrQ5KMIs8

WOW it feels good to be back on the board!!