Northern Pike Fishing in Minneapolis
Minnesota
Northern Pike is one of the species anglers target most around Minneapolis, Minnesota. MyFishingBuds matches you with local anglers who chase Northern Pike on Lake Minnetonka and Mississippi River so you can share a boat, split costs, and learn the water faster.
31 anglers on MyFishingBuds are targeting Northern Pike.
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Northern Pike at a glance
- Scientific name
- Esox lucius
- IGFA record
- 55.06 lbs
- Max length
- 60 in
- Preferred water temp
- 55–70°F
When to fish Minneapolis
The Minnesota fishing opener in mid-May kicks off walleye and pike season and is practically a state holiday. Bass fishing is best from June through September, muskie season opens in June and peaks in the fall, and panfish (bluegill and crappie) are catchable spring through fall and again through the ice. Summer is prime on the metro lakes and the Mississippi. Fall is trophy-muskie time. And winter — December through March — turns the lakes into an ice-fishing destination for walleye, panfish, and pike, with everything from a bucket-and-auger setup to a heated wheelhouse.
→ Today's best fishing times in Minneapolis (sunrise, sunset & moon)Where to fish for Northern Pike in Minneapolis
- 📍 Lake Minnetonka
- 📍 Mississippi River
- 📍 Bde Maka Ska / Chain of Lakes
- 📍 White Bear Lake
- 📍 Mille Lacs (90 min N)
🪪 Minnesota fishing license
Anglers targeting Northern Pike in Minneapolis need a valid Minnesota fishing license. Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our complete guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
Minnesota fishing license cost 2026 →Northern Pike in Minneapolis: FAQ
Do I need a fishing license to catch Northern Pike in Minneapolis?▾
Yes. Anglers fishing in Minneapolis need a valid Minnesota fishing license (with the right freshwater or saltwater privileges for where you fish). Resident, non-resident, and short-term options are all available — see our Minnesota guide for current 2026 prices and direct purchase links.
When is the best time to fish for Northern Pike near Minneapolis?▾
The Minnesota fishing opener in mid-May kicks off walleye and pike season and is practically a state holiday. Bass fishing is best from June through September, muskie season opens in June and peaks in the fall, and panfish (bluegill and crappie) are catchable spring through fall and again through the ice. Summer is prime on the metro lakes and the Mississippi. Fall is trophy-muskie time. And winter — December through March — turns the lakes into an ice-fishing destination for walleye, panfish, and pike, with everything from a bucket-and-auger setup to a heated wheelhouse.
How do I find a Northern Pike fishing buddy in Minneapolis?▾
Create a free MyFishingBuds profile, set Northern Pike as a target species, and pick Minneapolis as your area. You'll be matched with nearby anglers who target the same species and fish a similar style, so you can plan a trip, share a boat, and split the costs.
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