Lac Seul East and Minnitaki Pike Fishing
Northern Pike are abundant in these waters. No matter what type of fishing you spend most of your time with, or what method you use to catch fish - there will be pike! The only lakes that don't have pike in this area, are the stocked trout lakes. Everyone that fishes in the Sioux Lookout area has a chance at a trophy pike. Often these fish are deep and hit walleyes while struggling on people's lines. Nonstop action and full limits of pike here is a different game. In my years of guiding I have learned to master these fish, and often find people asking me where and how to catch many pike. In order to have a pike filled fishing day you must be versatile, covering lots of shoreline with the proper structure, and switching baits until you discover the hot ticket for that given
Many people that enjoy eating walleye also enjoy their pike. In order to allow the species to prosper in these waters there is a slot size of 27.6 to 35.4 inches. These are considered to be the breeding stock and none may be kept. With a sport licence, anglers may keep 4 pike under 27.6 inches. If desired 1 of their 4 fish limit may exceed 35.4 inches, which is meant to be for a trophy. A conservation licence may keep 2 pike(2 under, or 1 under, 1 over slot). As with most fish, the smaller fish are better table fare, especially when there are caught in these cool northern waters. It is not too often that I see big pike harvested, as replica mounts are gaining popularity.
It is a known fact that big pike are more common in the far north, but in all honesty this may be as far north as you need to travel for a crack at a monster northern pike. The local master angler program requires a minimum of 40" for a catch and release award. There are many of these recorded each season. My personal best is a 45" pike, but in recent years there have been catches as big as 51" in the area. I am not saying that you will catch nonstop 40 plus inchers all day, but it is nice to know that there is a great chance for one, while fishing the Sioux Lookout Area.
In early season big pike can be found in a variety of shallow waters.
Although these ferocious predators each practically everything that moves, there are baitfish that they prefer to focus on at certain times. If you see suckers running shorelines early in the year, you may want to start casting!
As the waters warm in this area big pike will find cooler waters. Current areas and deep holes are now home for these toothy creatures. Smaller pike are mainly what remains in the shallows. Open water trolling with deep crankbaits can be rewarding in the summer months.
Throwing baits for pike in these waters is simply thrilling. Many times I see a variety of walleye, bass and even a musky while pounding these endless shorelines. This area is full of surprises when it comes to pike fishing. The most productive early season lure that I have seen is the little cleo spoon, which represents the massive schools of shiners that run the shorelines. If the pike are in the thick cabbage weeds try a small bass style spinnerbait. All colors work well here, but my preference is gold.
Reasons to hire a guide for pike fishing.
1. You can fish and not have to worry about boat control.
2. The guide will know where to be and what to use, granting you more time catching!
3. Most guides are masters at getting out snags, which will cost you less in tackle.
4. If you are keeping pike, the guide will ensure that your fish are cleaned boneless, you may want to watch!
5. Techniques, strategies, and safe routes will be learned.