Northern Pike in Saskatchewan

Photo of Northern Pike

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.

Distribution of Northern Pike 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

Results 1275 (Displaying page 1 of 255)
Provincial Park Golf Course Campground Beach Boat Launch Cabins Picnic Area
Northern Pike Yellow Perch Walleye Lake Whitefish

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
Provincial Park Campground Boat Launch Beach Cabins Golf Course
Northern Pike Yellow Perch Walleye Lake Whitefish Burbot White Sucker Cisco Longnose Sucker Lake Sturgeon

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
Boat Launch Beach Provincial Park
Northern Pike Yellow Perch Walleye Burbot White Sucker

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
Golf Course Campground Provincial Park Boat Launch Beach
Northern Pike Yellow Perch Walleye Burbot White Sucker Longnose Sucker

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
Beach Regional Park Golf Course Boat Launch
Northern Pike Yellow Perch Walleye White Sucker

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
Results 1275 (Displaying page 1 of 255)

Learn more about fish species found in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Freshwater Fishes - Waterproof Guide Ken Schultz's Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes

References