Northern Pike Fishing In Alaska

Guide to catching northern pike and AZ in lakes

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Last updated on January 25, 2026.

Best pike lakes, lures and bait

Fishing For Northern Pike

Northern pike tend to roam a lot. They are not inclined to stay in one spot for too long, but will use the same spots over and over across time. Reading current fishing reports and northern pike tournament results from the lake you wish to fish, can give insight into the type of spots northerns are currently using. Reports and results from this time last year can also be helpful. Use this knowledge and look for spots on contour maps to identify spots and areas that meet criteria outlined in the reports. Use these maps to also identify creek channels, flats, and depth variations. This information can help you plan your time on the water, well before you head to the lake.

Once you arrive at the lake, focus on finding the fish, by covering lots of water, and specific type spots that match the reports. Northern pike move up and down in the water column in search of the best available water temperatures, availability of food, and a variety of other factors. Begin the day fishing shallow, medium and deep water in search of the best depth for the day. Northern pike also migrate throughout the lake, often following schools of baitfish. Once you locate fish, concentrate on that depth and similar locations. Shallow, weedy areas, next to deeper water are the most common feeding areas for northern pike.
Keep lure selection simple. Northern pike are not as picky as many anglers tend to think. Stick to basic colors as long as they are biting, then experiment with brighter color options.

Ice fishing for northern pike can be fun and effective on lakes that freeze over. Cut bait, flashy jigging spoons or live minnows are popular bait choices.

Northern Pike Fishing Lakes

Pike in the 20-pound range are common in many Alaskan rivers and lakes. Although, northern pike can often grow much larger. The state sport fishing record is 38 pounds, caught from the Yukon River.

Lakes with known populations of northerns include Alexander Lake, Rabbit Lake, Flathorn Lake, Lockwood Lake, Witsoe Lake, Pear Lake, Whiskey Lake, Seven Mile Lake, Rocky Lake, Sawmill Lake, Bains Ponds, Chicken Lake, Echo Ponds, Little Frazer Lake, Red Shirt Lake, Birch Creek, Donkey Creek, Eightmile Creek, Johnson Creek, Skwentna River, Witsoe Creek, Fish Creek, Swan Lake, Chuitbunga Lake, Crystal Lake, Wasilla Lake, Campbell Creek, Upper Fire Lake, Hall Lake, Union Lake and many other lakes, rivers, ponds and creeks.

State Fish Records

The state record northern pike was taken out of Innoko River.

Information About Catching Northern Pike

Check out the Northern Pike Fishing page to get tips, tactics and methods for catching more pike. Also visit the top producing northern pike lures page to assist in selecting the best baits.

Northern Pike - Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Information on fishing for unique species, by state

012526