Muskie and Northern Pike
Muskie
Northern Pike
Best Lures for Muskie and Northern Pike
About Muskie and Northern Pike in Missouri
Considered northern fish, Missouri is fortunate to have some lakes where muskie and northern pike can be caught. Both fish have been grouped together in this section because of their similarities. Like the walleye, be careful, these fish have teeth. Ouch! Though colors can vary, each fish has identifiable markings. muskies have vertical markings with some spots and northern pike have horizontal stripes. In Missouri, muskie will grow larger than northern pike.
Both muskies and northern pike can be difficult to catch, and it requires persistence and patience to be successful. Fall and spring are the best times to fish. The main food source for muskie and northern pike is shad or small fish. Large lures such crankbaits and spinning type lures that imitate shad are best. Lures can be cast or trolled. When casting there may be times when either fish will follow the lure to the boat. If that happens, keep the lure in the water while making a figure eight motion. Be sure that the reel spool is free so that your gear doesn’t break, or you lose it to the fish.
It’s possible to catch muskies and northern pike when fishing for bass as they can be found in the same areas and will bite similar baits. Light and medium tackle will not work with these fish. Heavy tackle is needed including stiff rods, large reels, braided line and steel leaders as muskies can reach 40 pounds.
As a note: Both muskie and northern pike are stocked in Missouri as neither one breeds, and as a result there is no spawning season. Most anglers practice catch and release to allow others to enjoy the fish.