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 1275 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





Blackstrap Lake is a large reservoir in southern Saskatchewan. It is located partially within Resort Village of Shields and 41km SSE of Saskatoon. Blackstrap Provincial Park and Provincial Park Dog Park are located at Blackstrap Lake.
Fishing Zone: | Southern Zone |
Photos: | 26 photos of Blackstrap Lake |
RM: | Dundurn No. 314 |
Communities: | Resort Village of Shields, Resort Village of Thode |
Parks: | Blackstrap Provincial Park |
Location: | 51.794701962656, -106.42223139094 |
Shore Length: | 40km |
Surface Area: | 2992 acres |
Max Width: | 0.8–1.2 km (0.50–0.75 mi) |
Max Length: | 14.4 km (8.9 mi) |
Max Depth: | 9.39 m (30.8 ft) |
Inflows: | Earthen aqueduct from Lake Diefenbaker |










Candle Lake is a massive lake in central Saskatchewan. It is located partially within Candle Lake Provincial Park and 72km NNE of Prince Albert. Candle Lake Provincial Park, Waskateena Beach Recreation Site and Minowukaw Dog Beach are located at Candle Lake.
Fishing Zone: | Central Zone |
Photos: | 24 photos of Candle Lake |
RM: | Paddockwood No. 520 |
Communities: | Resort Village of Candle Lake |
Parks: | Candle Lake Provincial Park, Waskateena Beach Recreation Site |
Location: | 53.822669397618, -105.29727226295 |
Shore Length: | 73km |
Surface Area: | 32616 acres |
Max Depth: | 16.8 m (55 ft) |
Inflows: | Fisher Creek, Clearsand Creek, Hanin Creek |
Outflows: | Torch River |






Christopher Lake is a medium sized lake in central Saskatchewan. It is located partially within Great Blue Heron Provincial Park and 40km NNW of Prince Albert. Great Blue Heron Provincial Park is adjacent to Christopher Lake.
Fishing Zone: | Central Zone |
Photos: | 27 photos of Christopher Lake |
RM: | The District of Lakeland No. 521 |
Communities: | Resort Village of Christopher Lake, Bell's Beach, Clearsand Beach |
Parks: | Great Blue Heron Provincial Park, Christopher Lake Nature Area |
Location: | 53.566265824554, -105.82591024771 |
Shore Length: | 18km |
Surface Area: | 1643 acres |
Max Length: | 14.61 km (9.08 mi) |
Max Depth: | 10.1 m (33 ft) |
Inflows: | Christopher Lake diversion |
Outflows: | Christopher Creek |







Emma Lake is a large lake in central Saskatchewan. It is located partially within Great Blue Heron Provincial Park and 46km NNW of Prince Albert. Fairy Island Wildlife Refuge, Emma Lake (Murray Point) Recreation Site and Great Blue Heron Provincial Park are located at Emma Lake.
Fishing Zone: | Central Zone |
Photos: | 35 photos of Emma Lake |
RM: | The District of Lakeland No. 521 |
Communities: | Sunnyside Beach, Guise Beach, Neis Beach, Emma Lake (Unincorporated), Okema Beach |
Parks: | Fairy Island Wildlife Refuge, Emma Lake (Murray Point) Recreation Site, Great Blue Heron Provincial Park |
Location: | 53.60438082944, -105.92050530467 |
Shore Length: | 67km |
Surface Area: | 4364 acres |
Max Depth: | 10.1 m (33 ft) |
Inflows: | Montreal Creek, Emma Lake Diversion |
Outflows: | Christopher Lake diversion |





Fishing Lake is a very large lake in southern Saskatchewan. It is located partially within Resort Village of Chorney Beach and 21km SE of Wadena. Fishing Lake Wildlife Refuge and Fishing Lake Regional Park (Leslie Beach) are located at Fishing Lake.
Fishing Zone: | Southern Zone |
Photos: | 38 photos of Fishing Lake |
RM: | Sasman No. 336, Foam Lake No. 276 |
Communities: | Resort Village of Leslie Beach, Resort Village of Chorney Beach, Hamlet of North Shore Fishing Lake, Hamlet of Ottman - Murray Beach |
Parks: | Fishing Lake Wildlife Refuge, Fishing Lake Regional Park (Leslie Beach) |
Location: | 51.836640063468, -103.55045285949 |
Shore Length: | 55km |
Surface Area: | 7583 acres |
Max Depth: | 17.99 m (59.0 ft) |
Outflows: | None |
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://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