The Northern Pike: Always in Season
The Northern Pike: Always in Season
Most of our guests at Fish the Nush, located on the serene Nushagak River, travel to our Alaskan wilderness paradise to reel in a boatload of delicious king salmon. Now and then, however, lucky anglers will catch a hefty, elusive trophy northern pike. These highly-intelligent predatory fish are always in season when our doors are open in the summer. Fish the Nush’s premier riverside location provides prime access to the Nushagak River and all its glory. Most anglers book Alaska fishing trips months in advance, so now is the time to start planning your next adventure to the Last Frontier.
The Elusive Northern Pike
Unlike other areas in southern Alaska, the northern pike is native to the Nushagak River. They have learned to coexist with our massive salmon and rainbow trout population peacefully. The northern pike is widely known as a “water wolf,” because adults have over 700 teeth and can chew through a large trout in seconds. Northern pike caught on the Nushagak River are typically 20 pounds and three feet long.
The Nushagak River
Our Alaskan fishing paradise is 35 miles upriver from the former trade center community of Nushagak, which now lies dormant. Our secluded slice of the Nushagak River has five salmon species: king, pink, sockeye, silver, and chum. August is also a good month for rainbow trout. The northern pike in this beautiful river put up quite the fight, so it’s ideal to use a heavyweight nine or ten-weight rod. These monsters usually are lurking in shallow water with thick vegetation. Use wire leader, a heavy duty arbor reel, sinking tip line, and amphibian flies. Northern pikes have terrific eyesight, so wear clothes that blend into your surroundings.
Alaska Fishing Trips
Fish the Nush has authentic wood-framed camps on the Nushagak River, one of only three private camps on the river. These cozy, four-person cabins have down pillows and comfortable mattresses. One of the best perks of a fishing excursion with Fish the Nush is our delicious dinners made by a professional chef and skilled kitchen staff. Polish off a plate of prime rib, salmon, pork chops, or ribeye while reminiscing about the day’s haul. Book a trip to the “Nush” by inquiring online or calling 1-877-876-NUSH (6874).
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is northern pike fishing in Alaska available all summer?
Yes. While salmon have specific run windows, the northern pike in Alaska is a resident species. They are active and catchable from the moment our lodge opens in June through the end of August.
- Do I need different gear for pike fishing in Alaska?
We recommend a 9-weight or 10-weight fly rod or a medium-heavy spinning rod. A wire leader is a technical necessity to protect your line from the sharp teeth of an Alaskan pike.
- What is the average size of a northern pike in the Nushagak?
While the average is around 20 pounds and 36 inches, our guests frequently encounter trophy fish that push the 40-inch mark, especially in the undisturbed sloughs near the lodge.
- Why choose a salmon run lodge for pike fishing?
Staying at a salmon run lodge like Fish the Nush gives you the best of both worlds. You can target world-record salmon in the morning and switch to Alaska pike fishing in the quiet backwaters in the afternoon.
- Are the pike in the Nushagak River invasive?
No. Unlike the invasive populations in Southcentral Alaska, pike in Alaska‘s western regions, including the Nushagak, are native and an essential part of the natural ecosystem.
- What are the best lures for northern pike in Alaska?
Large spoons, bucktail spinners, and topwater frogs are highly effective. For fly anglers, large “bunny leeches” or amphibian patterns work best in the shallow vegetation.
- Can beginners participate in Alaska pike fishing?
Absolutely. Pike are aggressive and generally easier to hook than pressured salmon, making them a fantastic target for beginners or younger anglers looking for constant action.
- Do I need to wear camouflage while fishing for pike?
While full camo isn’t required, muted earth tones are better. Pike have excellent upward vision and can be easily spooked by bright colors in shallow water.
- Can I harvest the pike I catch?
We primarily practice catch-and-release for trophy pike to preserve the native genetics of the river, but we can occasionally prepare a smaller fish for a shore lunch if requested.
- How far is the pike territory from the lodge?
One of the best perks of Fish the Nush is that prime pike habitat is often just a five-minute boat ride from our dock, or even accessible right off the banks near the camp.
