Expert Tips for Northern Pike Fishing in Ohio

Northern Pike Fishing Tips

Ohio is at the southern extent of the northern pike native range so populations are localized and mostly restricted
 to Lake Erie and northern rivers. Historically, the Division of Wildlife stocked northern pike into lakes across
Ohio, but in 1991, the northern pike stocking program ended so all northern pike fisheries are now maintained by
natural reproduction.

TIPS

Northern pike reproduce over aquatic vegetation so concentrate fishing efforts in these areas.
Use a heavy monofilament or braided fishing line or steel leader to prevent pike from breaking the line.
Use bright, flashy and noisy lures to attract the attention of northern pike.
Pike have a slime coat over their scales and removal of the slime coat make the fish more susceptible to bacterial
infections. To remove hooks, place your fingers under the gill cover and slide them toward the mouth till you feel
 the jaw bone, and then lift the fish slightly, opening the mouth revealing the hooks. If necessary for smaller
fish, a wet cloth can be used to wrap around the fish to improve a body grip.