Fishing for pike in Canada is an exciting adventure, with the vast freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds providing prime habitats for these aggressive predators. If you’re a beginner or someone who is simply looking to improve your fishing skills, one of the best techniques for targeting pike is with topwater fishing lures. These lures provide an exhilarating experience, as they allow you to see the pike strike right on the surface of the water.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best easy-to-use topwater fishing lures for pike in Canada, how they work, and how to use them effectively. With the right techniques and knowledge, you can increase your chances of catching pike while making the most out of your time fishing in Canada’s beautiful waters.
What Are Topwater Fishing Lures?
Topwater fishing lures are lures designed to float on the surface of the water, mimicking the movement of injured or fleeing prey, such as small fish, frogs, or insects. These lures create a splash or disturbance on the water’s surface, attracting fish like pike that are looking for easy prey. They are especially effective for aggressive fish like pike, which are known to strike at fast-moving or surface-level prey.
Topwater lures come in various shapes and sizes, with different features that allow them to mimic different types of prey. Some topwater lures create a splashing action, while others produce a walking or “popping” motion that attracts fish from a distance.
For beginners and even seasoned anglers, topwater lures are easy to use and provide a fun, engaging fishing experience, especially when targeting large predatory species like pike.
Why Topwater Fishing Lures Are Great for Pike in Canada
Pike are surface-feeding predators that are highly aggressive and will often target prey near the water’s surface. Using topwater lures to catch pike in Canada offers several advantages:
- Visual Excitement
The most thrilling aspect of using topwater lures is that you can watch the fish strike at the surface. The visual excitement of seeing a large pike explode from the water to hit your lure is unparalleled. This type of fishing keeps you engaged and focused, making it ideal for anglers who love the action and anticipation. - Effective in Shallow Waters
Pike often inhabit shallow waters, particularly around weed beds, rocky shorelines, and submerged structures. Topwater lures are perfect for these areas as they stay on the surface and can be retrieved without snagging on underwater obstacles. - Attracts Aggressive Fish
Pike are notorious for their aggressive feeding behavior. They tend to target fast-moving prey, and topwater lures create the perfect disturbance to trigger their predatory instincts. Whether the pike is in a feeding frenzy or simply patrolling its territory, topwater lures provide an enticing and irresistible target. - Easy to Use for Beginners
Unlike other lures that require complicated techniques, topwater lures are simple to use. Beginners can easily learn how to cast and retrieve these lures, making them an excellent choice for new anglers looking to catch pike.
Best Topwater Fishing Lures for Pike in Canada
Several types of topwater fishing lures are particularly effective for targeting pike in Canada. Let’s explore the most popular options, their features, and how to use them.
1. Poppers
Popper lures are one of the most popular types of topwater lures. They have a concave face that creates a popping sound when retrieved, mimicking the sound of a struggling fish or an insect on the surface. This action attracts pike by drawing them in from a distance.
- How They Work: When retrieved, poppers create a splash and popping noise that mimics injured prey. This action triggers the pike’s feeding instincts, making them strike the lure.
- Best For: Shallow areas with heavy vegetation or near the shoreline where pike are actively hunting.
- How to Use: Cast the popper near submerged structures or weed beds, then retrieve with short, sharp jerks to create a popping sound. You can adjust the speed of the retrieve based on the pike’s activity.
- Advantages: Easy to use, great for attracting aggressive pike.
2. Walking Baits (Walk-the-Dog Lures)
Walking baits, also known as “walk-the-dog” lures, are designed to move side to side on the surface. This motion mimics the erratic behavior of an injured fish trying to escape, which is highly attractive to pike.
- How They Work: To use walking baits, you must impart a rhythmic action by jerking the rod tip while reeling in the line. This creates a zigzag pattern on the water’s surface.
- Best For: Open water where pike are actively chasing prey, or along the edges of submerged weed beds.
- How to Use: After casting, gently twitch the rod tip to make the lure dart from side to side. Adjust the speed based on the pike’s aggressiveness.
- Advantages: Creates an irresistible, lifelike action that draws pike from afar.
3. Frogs and Toad Lures
Frog lures are another topwater option, especially for pike fishing in weedy or lily pad-filled ponds and lakes. These lures are designed to mimic the appearance of a frog, which is a common food source for pike.
- How They Work: Frog lures float on the surface and create a subtle disturbance when retrieved. Their realistic movement and shape make them an attractive option for pike hunting in weedy areas.
- Best For: Fishing in areas with heavy vegetation, such as weed beds or lily pads where pike are likely to ambush prey.
- How to Use: Cast the frog lure into weedy or thick vegetation, then retrieve with a slow and steady motion. Occasionally pause to let the lure rest and mimic a frog that is sitting on the surface.
- Advantages: Perfect for fishing in dense vegetation, great for pike that are lurking in cover.
4. Buzzbaits
Buzzbaits are another effective option for topwater pike fishing. They feature a spinning blade at the front that creates a constant buzzing noise as it moves through the water. This noise attracts pike and other predatory fish.
- How They Work: The spinning blade creates vibrations and surface disturbance, making it ideal for attracting pike that are looking for prey at the surface.
- Best For: Areas with moderate to fast-moving water where pike are chasing after prey.
- How to Use: Cast the buzzbait into open water and reel it in at a steady pace. Adjust the retrieve speed to create the ideal vibration.
- Advantages: Great for attracting pike in slightly deeper waters or when you need to cover a lot of ground.
How to Use Topwater Fishing Lures for Pike in Canada
To make the most of your topwater fishing lures for pike in Canada, it’s important to understand the proper techniques for casting, retrieving, and fishing in the right locations. Here’s how to effectively use topwater lures for pike:
1. Choose the Right Topwater Lure for the Conditions
The first step is choosing the right lure for the fishing conditions. In shallow, weedy waters, frog lures and poppers are excellent choices. For clearer, open waters, walking baits and buzzbaits are highly effective. Each lure works best in specific environments, so adjust based on where you’re fishing.
2. Cast and Let the Lure Settle
Once you’ve selected the right lure, cast it towards potential pike hotspots—weed beds, submerged structures, or along the shoreline. Let the lure settle for a moment before beginning your retrieve. Pike often strike immediately, so stay alert.
3. Use the Correct Retrieve Technique
The key to using topwater lures effectively is adjusting your retrieve technique. For poppers, use short jerks to create a splashing sound. For walking baits, impart a side-to-side motion by twitching the rod tip. Frog lures should be retrieved slowly and steadily, pausing occasionally for realism. Buzzbaits should be retrieved at a steady pace to maintain a consistent buzz.
4. Vary Your Retrieve Speed
Pike can be unpredictable, and sometimes adjusting the speed of your retrieve can make all the difference. If you’re not getting strikes, try slowing down your retrieve, or if the pike seems to be following the lure but not biting, try speeding up the action.
5. Be Ready for the Strike
When using topwater lures, pike strikes can be sudden and explosive. Be prepared for a fast hookset once the pike hits the lure. It’s important to resist the temptation to jerk the rod too early, as this can cause the hook to come loose. Wait for the fish to fully strike, and then set the hook firmly.
Tips for Success When Using Topwater Fishing Lures for Pike
- Fish During Prime Times: Pike are most active during early mornings and late evenings, especially in the warmer months. These are the best times to use topwater lures.
- Use Bright Colors: In murky water, bright-colored lures like chartreuse, white, or yellow stand out better and attract pike from a distance.
- Cover Large Areas: Use your topwater lure to cover as much water as possible, especially around structures and vegetation where pike are likely to ambush their prey.
- Stay Patient: Topwater fishing requires patience, especially when the fish are not actively feeding. Don’t be discouraged if the pike are not striking immediately—adjust your technique and keep trying.
Conclusion
Using easy-to-use topwater fishing lures for pike in Canada is a thrilling and effective way to target this aggressive species. Whether you’re using poppers, walking baits, frogs, or buzzbaits, topwater lures are ideal for catching pike, especially in shallow, weedy waters. With the right techniques, patience, and the right lure, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a pike.
At Lurebolt, we offer a wide range of high-quality fishing lures, including topwater lures, designed to meet the needs of anglers targeting pike. Visit us at Lurebolt.com to browse our collection and take your pike fishing to the next level.