Minnesota is an angler’s paradise for many reasons. One of them is the northern pike that flourish in the cool, clear lakes throughout the state.
Chasing monster pike is on most anglers’ bucket lists, but finding the best waters to target them among so many options can be challenging.
Vast waters like the fabled Lake of the Woods provide some of the best pike action in the world. It’s definitely worth spending the time to explore the state and test out the best northern pike fishing spots in Minnesota.
Pike are truly a four-season fishery in these parts. The more moderate months of spring and fall may be tops, but you certainly can pull monster fish from beneath the winter ice or from deeper depths or shade hideouts in the summer.
Let’s take a look at the waters that made our list.
Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is famous for its exceptional northern pike fishing opportunities, drawing anglers nationwide. This vast and picturesque lake, spanning over 1,700 square miles on the border with Canada, offers plenty of pike fishing spots.
Zippel Bay is a prime location for northern pike fishing on Lake of the Woods. Its shallow bays and weedy areas provide ideal habitats for pike, where they hang out and ambush for prey.
The nearby shallows along Long Point are also known for producing sizable pike. Try casting spoons, spinners, and large swimbaits to catch these toothy monsters.
The Northwest Angle is another hotspot in the upper section, near the border. Its combination of rocky structures, submerged points, and weedy shallows creates a haven for trophy-sized northern pike.
Spring and early summer are excellent times and can lead to epic catches, but there’s hardly a bad time to do battle with pike here.
Exploring the Rainy River, which connects Lake of the Woods to the northern parts of the state, can also be super productive. The river’s diverse structure and current attract northern pike seeking food and comfortable habitats.
Whether trolling, casting, or jigging, Lake of the Woods offers an unforgettable northern pike fishing experience amidst stunning scenery.
Several resorts cater to anglers in the area, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding what you need.
Lake Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka is a pike enthusiast’s prime destination. With its sprawling 14,528 acres, Lake Minnetonka offers several ideal spots for northern pike fishing.
The expansive West Arm offers submerged weed beds and shallows to create optimal conditions for pike. Target the channels and bays in this area, as the pike will congregate near underwater structures.
Another popular location is the Grays Bay Dam area, where the cool, oxygen-rich water attracts northern pike. The numerous bays and inlets around Minnetonka Beach and Tonka Bay are also great spots to troll.
Spring and early summer are the best times to catch pike on Lake Minnetonka as the fish move to shallower waters for spawning.
Trolling with flashy lures or casting in and around weed beds are effective techniques. However, the lake’s size means that exploration and adaptability are key to successful pike fishing, as the fish’s behavior can vary across habitats.
Whether casting from a boat or trying your luck from the shoreline, Lake Minnetonka offers pike anglers an epic time.
Located just southwest of Minneapolis, this lake has everything you need a stone’s throw from the water.
Lake Winnibigoshish
Lake Winnibigoshish, nestled in the heart of Minnesota, is a premier spot. Renowned for its sprawling 56,000 acres and diverse underwater terrain, “Lake Winnie” offers plenty of prime fishing spots for pike.
Anglers often find success along the lake’s numerous submerged structures, including weed beds, rocks, and points where these predatory fish wait for prey.
The expansive Dam Bay, Third River Flowage, and the rocky bars near the lake’s western shoreline are hotspots for pike action. These areas provide the ideal mix of cover and food sources.
During the spring and fall, pike move to shallower waters, making the Mississippi River channel and the mouth of the Mississippi River ideal locations for successful angling.
Trolling along the drop-offs and casting into the weedy bays can yield rewarding results, as pike frequently patrol these regions in search of baitfish.
Whether casting from the shore or navigating the lake by boat, Lake Winnibigoshish offers an unforgettable northern pike fishing experience.
This big lake also has almost unlimited yellow perch to catch when you’re looking for a meal for yourself.
If you’re fishing in the Dam Bay area, take a break and head over to the Gosh Dam Place. Highly-rated burgers await.
Serpent Lake
Serpent Lake in Crosby is worth the visit. This picturesque lake provides an ideal habitat for northern pike. You just might see the legendary serpent the lake is named after.
The northern and eastern shorelines are prime areas filled with submerged weed beds and rocky structures.
Additionally, the lake’s numerous bays, channels, and points offer diverse environments that northern pike thrive in, making them accessible to anglers using various techniques.
Spring and fall are the top seasons for northern pike fishing on Serpent Lake. Pike are more active in shallow waters, providing anglers with opportunities for both casting and trolling.
Try large spoons, spinners, and jerkbaits. Live bait, such as suckers or large minnows, can also yield epic strikes.
Explore the lake’s depths, paying attention to submerged structures, drop-offs, and weed edges. Serpent Lake is full of aquatic vegetation and creates a veritable smorgasbord for pike.
Crosby and Deerwood offer all the amenities you’ll need. There is also camping available at the Crosby Memorial Park. A 20-foot-tall sea serpent statue will watch over you while you camp.
Otter Tail Lake
Otter Tail Lake, located in west-central Minnesota, covers over 13,000 acres. This glacial lake offers a diverse and thriving ecosystem, making it a prime destination for anglers in search of pike.
The lake has extensive weed beds and underwater structure, which provide ideal hiding spots for pike on the prowl.
The shallow bays and submerged vegetation along the shoreline serve as prime feeding grounds for northern pike, making them accessible whether you are casting from the bank or in a boat.
During the spring and early summer, when the water temperature rises, northern pike are particularly active in Otter Tail Lake.
Cast large spoons, jerkbaits, or live bait rigs. The lake’s combo of deep basins and shallower flats caters to different techniques. Trolling works well throughout the summer.
Otter Tail’s little neighbor, Walker Lake, is also worth testing your skills. Trophy northern pike are almost a regular occurrence in these areas, creating a reputation for Otter Tail Lake as a premier destination.
Several resorts dot the shoreline, and camping is available. Fergus Falls is the closest town, though most resorts have plenty of amenities to cover what you need for a successful trip.
Little Pine Lake
Little Pine Lake brings in anglers from far and wide. Situated in the heart of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, this body of water spans approximately 1,200 acres and is a hotspot for northern pike enthusiasts.
The lake’s diverse underwater topography provides a range of habitats for northern pike, making it an exciting challenge for anglers.
Seek out submerged structure, such as fallen trees, weed beds, and rocky points. The pike lurk in these areas, waiting to smash your lure. Toss spoons, spinners, and large minnow baits.
It’s possible to see some pike cruising the shallows, so be ready with a top-water lure to bring on an unforgettable surface strike.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to catch pike, as these predators are more active during low-light conditions.
Plenty of resorts and campgrounds are in the area. Stop off at Zorbaz and test their claim of the world’s greatest Mexican Pizza.
White Iron Lake
White Iron Lake is in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It offers a pristine and secluded environment for anglers to connect with nature while catching pike.
One of the favored spots for northern pike fishing here is the expansive Beargrease Island area. The underwater structure, including weed beds, rocky points, and drop-offs, provides an ideal habitat for pike to thrive and grow into massive trophy sizes.
Try your luck casting large spoons, swimbaits, or trolling with flashy lures.
White Iron Lake’s northeastern shoreline offers great structure and dense weed beds. Head over near the inlet and toss live bait rigs.
Several resorts and campgrounds dot the northern end of the lake. It’s a pretty remote area, so plan your trip and don’t leave anything behind.
Lake Vermillion
Lake Vermilion’s sprawling 40,000 acres provide diverse habitats for northern pike, making it an ideal destination for novice and seasoned anglers.
One of the top spots is the aptly named Pike Bay area. This bay offers expansive shallows, weed beds, and submerged structures, creating an ideal environment for pike to thrive.
Early spring and late fall are particularly productive times to target these predatory fish in Pike Bay, as they move into shallower waters during these seasons.
Another hotspot is Norwegian Bay, known for its deep, clear waters and underwater structure. Trolling or casting along the edges of drop-offs and submerged points can be successful. The abundant forage in this bay sustains healthy pike populations, resulting in exciting and rewarding fishing experiences.
Wakemup Bay is another spot to test your skills at catching huge pike in diverse underwater terrain, including rocky points and sunken islands. Whether using live bait or lures, Wakemup Bay is a go-to spot for those seeking epic trophy catches.
Lake Vermilion’s abundance of fish-holding cover also contribute to it being among the better crappie spots in all of Minnesota.
Resorts that cater to anglers dot the shores of this massive lake. There are plenty of amenities around, and camping is readily available.
Bald Eagle Lake
Bald Eagle Lake combines 2,700 acres of pristine water with the ease of being located next to Minneapolis. The lake’s clear waters, numerous underwater structures, and abundant vegetation create an optimal habitat for these aggressive predators.
The lake is filled with submerged weed beds, rocky points, and drop-offs. These locations provide excellent cover for pike and attract schools of baitfish, making them prime hunting grounds.
Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly good times for pike fishing, as these predators are more active during low-light conditions.
Shore fishing can be very successful here. Bald Eagle Park has a fishing pier that regularly produces pike and muskie.
Focus on the western and northern sections for optimal pike action. Trolling large spoons, swimbaits, or casting with flashy lures are great options.
Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park offers bank and boat access along with other amenities.
With its urban location, you’ll have no issues finding everything else you need.
Basswood Lake
Basswood Lake is nestled within the picturesque Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and offers an epic fishing experience for anyone willing to get here. Located on the border of the U.S. and Canada, this lake is out there in the wilderness.
Northern pike thrive in Basswood Lake’s habitats, ranging from weedy shallows to deeper, rocky areas. The lake’s intricate network of bays, points, and submerged structures provides ideal cover for these predatory fish, creating numerous hotspots.
Spring and early summer are fruitful times to target pike in shallower waters as they spawn and feed actively.
Try near rocky points and submerged structures, where pike lurk in wait for prey. Trolling along the lake’s deeper edges or casting into weedy shallows can yield rewarding results.
As Basswood Lake remains largely undeveloped, you can relish the unspoiled beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
This place is very remote, so plan on camping and bring everything you need.
Leech Lake
The lake covers roughly 111,500 acres, with 230 miles of shoreline. Although it has a maximum depth of 150 feet, most of the lake is shallower than 35 feet and full of vegetation.
Walker Bay is known for its expansive shallow weed beds and submerged structures. Try casting near emergent vegetation, rocky points, and drop-offs where these predatory fish lurk.
Sucker Bay is another popular location, characterized by submerged weed beds and a variety of underwater structures, providing ample cover for northern pike.
The Pine Point and Stony Point areas are full of sunken islands and rocky shelves, attracting northern pike throughout the year. Trolling or casting near these structures with flashy lures or live bait can yield impressive results.
Like Lake Winnibigoshish mentioned above, Leech Lake is within the Chippewa National Forest in north-central Minnesota and also is a great walleye fishing spot.
Walker has most of the amenities you might need. Several lodges and resorts dot the shoreline and offer angling packages to get you on the fish.
Rainy Lake
Rainy Lake, nestled in pristine wilderness on the border of Canada, is a haven for anglers seeking the thrill of northern pike fishing.
The lake spans over 220,000 acres, offering a diverse aquatic landscape. Numerous hotspots on Rainy Lake are renowned for their abundant northern pike populations, making it a premier spot to hit.
The Rat Root River area, at the bottom of Black Bay, is known for its intricate network of channels and weedy bays. Try casting in the shallows and around submerged structures, where these predatory fish lurk, ready to strike.
Kettle Falls is another favored location at the easternmost tip of Rainy Lake. The dam attracts northern pike, drawn to the abundance of baitfish. Trolling along this area’s rocky shores and drop-offs can yield impressive catches.
Additionally, Saginaw Bay and the Cranberry Bay areas are full of submerged vegetation and expansive flats, making them prime locations. Casting spoons, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits prove effective in these areas.
Rainy Lake is an unparalleled destination for anglers seeking the exhilaration of northern pike fishing. It’s a massive place, so be prepared to explore. Along the way, you’re sure to catch other great gamefish, including plentiful smallmouth bass.
Several lodges and resorts dot the shoreline, and several small communities line this lake. You should be able to find what you need.
Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake, just an hour and a half north of Minneapolis, covers over 132,000 acres and has perfect pike structure.
The mud flats are the top target on the lake during spring and fall. As the water temperatures change, pike move to these flats to feed on schools of baitfish.
Trolling live bait rigs or casting lures along the edges of the mud flats can lead to epic catches of trophy pike. Target the edges of the weed beds throughout the mud flats.
The rocky points and reefs scattered across the lake are prime pike hotspots. These structures provide excellent ambush points for pike as they wait to pounce on passing prey.
Trolling with live bait or crankbaits around these rocky areas can be good, especially during low-light conditions.
The deep basin areas of Mille Lacs Lake are worth targeting during the summer. Try trolling live bait rigs to target suspended pike in these deeper regions.
As with many spots on this list, Mille Lacs Lake also offers some of Minnesota’s most outstanding ice fishing for pike and other species.
Small towns around the lake offer bait and tackle and most amenities you may need. Resorts and campgrounds are readily available along the shore, including Mille Lacs Kathio State Park.