Fishing For Northern Pike In Georgia
Guide to catching northern pike in local lakes
Last updated on .
Best 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.
Popular Fishing Lakes
Many of the major lakes across the state, including Lake Allatoona, Banks Lake, Blue Ridge Lake, Carters Lake, Chatuge Lake, Hartwell Lake, J. Strom Thurmond Lake, Lake Blackshear, Lake Jackson, Lake Seminole, Lake Sidney Lanier, Nottely Lake, Oconee Lake, Richard B Russell Lake, Walter F George - Eufaula and West Point Lake are home to these other fish species.
Other Species in GA
Chain pickerel
world record: 9 lbs 6 oz
state record: 9 lbs 6 oz
Click the images and links above for species details.
State Fish Records
The state record bowfin was caught in the Suwannee River.
The state record chain pickerel was taken out of Homerville.
The state record longnose gar was caught from Lake Lanier.
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.
Additional Georgia Fishing Information
Information on fishing for unique species, by state
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