As predators pike are opportunistic feeders, taking a bite at anything that presents itself. That being said, they do have a preferred diet. Furthermore, this diet varies throughout their life cycle and at different points in the season.

Understanding what northern pike prefer to eat, and when it changes, will let you target them more successfully all year long, season after season.

As mentioned before, the northern pike is a predator from the time it is born. However although an adult pike may attack and eat almost anything, younger fish are restricted by their own size and hunting ability.

Even a mid-sized northern pike is a formidable predator, having quickly reached a size that allows it to dominate most other species. Insects and bait fish, often a lifelong food source for other species, are no longer capable of providing the substance needed for these fast-growing fish.

By the time a northern pike reaches adulthood, they have become a virtual eating machine. They spend much of their time hunting, eating, and thinking about hunting or eating. They have also developed their hunting skills to the peak, allowing them to feed on whatever they want. Because they are growing, they want a big meal.

The menu has not changed. Instead what has changed is the amount they need to eat. To get the most bang for their buck, large adult pike will focus on larger, more satisfying menu options.

As mentioned before, and it is worth mentioning again, the northern pike is a virtual eating machine. Everything about this species centers on being the top predator in the waters it calls home. They are large, fast and camouflaged — traits that enable them to catch and eat almost anything they encounter.

But for any species, there are times of day when northern pike are more active, and therefore, more easily caught.

Time of day is not the only factor to consider when targeting northern pike, time of year is also critical. As a species that thrives in cooler climates, the northern pike is more active during colder periods, but that does not mean it stops eating when temperatures rise.

However they will change their feeding patterns.

Live bait is almost always the best bet, especially when targeting large carnivorous species such as northern pike. The key is to select a bait native to the water you’re fishing. This is what the local pike are normally searching for and will be far more enticing than an offering they have never seen before.

That being said, if you do not have access to local bait or choose to use artificial lures, you can still land plenty of pike by selecting an option that mimics those natural baits.

If you are pursuing larger potential trophy northerns, you do not want to spend the day throwing small lures that imitate insect, bait fish, or similar baits young of the year are chasing. Remember as the pike grows, so do its dietary needs. Increasing your lure or baits to 4-6 inches will yield growing juveniles. By jumping to jumbo, 6-9 inch lures, you will limit the chances that smaller fish will have the ability to even think about taking a bite, but still draw the big wall hangers from their hides.

When mimicking live bait, opt for lures that resemble frogs, mice, large baitfish, small predatory species or even small birds that have landed on the surface.

It is important to select color patterns that match the local selection as well.

Remember that pike are not only predators, but they are also the top predators. Even when not actively feeding, they will often strike out of pure aggression. By playing on this natural behavior, you can often entice a strike by simply putting something within their personal space. Pike will also react violently to what they believe is another predator invading the area or feeding nearby.

Good luck and good fishing.