Northern Pike in Saskatchewan
Northern Pike (Esox lucius) is a very popular sports fish in Saskatchewan. They are very common and are widely distributed from the far north to the south of the province, and found in many lakes, reservoirs and rivers both large and small. We have records of them being reporting in 1,347 of the lakes on this site, and I'm sure they are in plenty more then that!
The Northern Pike can grow to be one of the larger fish in the province with recorded lengths of up to 59 inches (150 cm) and weights of up to 63 pounds (28.4 kg).
The name northern pike actually refers to the fish's resemblance to a 'pike', as in the pointed weapon. In Saskatchewan they are often commonly referred to as a 'jack' or 'jackfish'. You may also hear them called: 'slough shark', 'snake' 'slimer', and many other nicknames as well.
Details
| Scientific name: | Esox lucius |
| Avg. weight: | 1 to 2.5 kg (2.2 to 5.5 lbs) |
| Conservation status: | Least Concern |
| Also known as: | jack, jackfish |
| General Limit: | 5 (only one may exceed 75 cm) |
| PA National Park limit: | 3 |
| SK Record: | 47lb 5oz - 55.5" @ Mirond Lake in 2008 |
| Distribution: | Found in 1276 waters in Saskatchewan |
Distribution
See where Northern Pike can be found in Saskatchewan.
All lakes with Northern Pike
Fishing for Northern Pike in Saskatchewan
Where to fish for Northern Pike
Unlike some species here in the province you won't have to go far out of your way to find Northern Pike. Northern Pike are incredibly widespread across the province, you can find them just about anywhere in the province.
Northern Saskatchewan is word-famous for its Pike Fishing. Reindeer Lake, Lake Athabasca and Wollaston Lake are just a few of the lakes featuring big, hungry fish.
General Limits
The limit for Northern Pike is 5 (only one may exceed 75 cm) in Saskatchewan provincial waters. Some provincial waters may have different limits for Northern Pike or be closed to fishing altogether. Always double check with the Sask Anglers Guide before heading out.
The limit for Northern Pike is 3 when fishing within the Prince Albert National Park.
Sask Record for Northern Pike
The largest Northern Pike ever caught in Saskatchewan was a 55.5" monster weighing 47lb 5oz. It was caught on Mirond Lake in 2008.
Lakes with Northern Pike
Learn more about fish species found in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Freshwater Fishes - Waterproof Guide Ken Schultz's Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pike
- https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/profiles-profils/northernpike-grandbrochet-eng.html
- https://superiorcountry.ca/fishing-and-hunting/10-northern-pike-facts/
- https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/blog/2020/01/13/catch-a-trophy-pike
- https://scpo.ca/anglers/angling-records/
- https://fishhunt.tourismsaskatchewan.com/stories/2020/01/13/in-between-for-pike
- https://igfa.org/game-fish-database/?search_type=SpeciesID&search_term_1=89
- https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/parks-culture-heritage-and-sport/hunting-trapping-and-angling/angling/season-dates-and-limits
- https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/sk/princealbert/activ/experiences/peche-fishing