Great Sacandaga Lake’s reputation for yielding big northern pike started in 1940 when Peter Dubuc caught the former world record there. The New York lake still produces big fish. (Photo by Kade Gewanter)
March 12, 2025
By Kade Gewanter
I will never forget the first time I caught a proper northern pike. It was a warm, late-ice day on a top-secret backwater of the Connecticut River in Western Massachusetts. Among my tip-up spread was a large, dead pond shiner, tactically placed along the edge of a reed bank in a mucky cove. The flag eventually popped, and after a good tussle, a 35-inch northern was brought topside.That memorable fish can be credited with turning me into a lifelong enthusiast of big pike.
Simply catching a northern through the ice is not that difficult. Lively bait and setting up shop in shallow, weedy areas can provide plenty of action, with good fish in the mix all season long. Catching big pike, however, requires a more strategic approach. Success hinges on understanding the specific waterbodies they inhabit, knowing precise seasonal locations, selecting the right bait and using effective gear rigging.
For anglers seeking a trophy fish this winter, the Northeast is home to several legendary pike fisheries that consistently produce giants thanks to their unique habitats and forage bases. Let’s explore some of the top destinations in the region and uncover what makes them hot spots for landing monster pike.
Late ice is great ice throughout the pike’s range. As temps begin to warm, northerns begin to feed heavily in the shallows. (Photo by Kade Gewanter) 1. Great Sacandaga Lake, NY Nestled along the southern edge of the Adirondacks, Great Sacandaga Lake is a storied fishery famous for producing monster pike year after year. It was here, in 1940, that Peter Dubuc caught the former world-record northern—a jaw-dropping 46-pound, 2-ounce specimen that is still recognized as the largest pike caught in North America.
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Unlike many pike fisheries in the region, Great Sacandaga is a clear reservoir with diverse structure that includes deep rock formations, expansive weed lines and shallow coves. Pike benefit from an abundance of forage and deep-water refuges. While shallow areas draw plenty of attention from anglers, the lake’s deeper shoals and channel swings host a significant population of pike throughout much of the ice-fishing season. An abundance of juvenile walleyes offers pike a year-round buffet, making the entire lake of interest to trophy chasers.
Catching trophy pike on Great Sacandaga requires an understanding of their seasonal movements and behavior since the lake is large and home to plenty of good-looking pike habitat. Early in the ice-fishing season, pike concentrate in shallow coves and bays, such as the areas around Mead Island, drawn by schools of panfish feeding on micro-forage near remaining green vegetation. These areas offer predictable action for anglers targeting active fish. As the ice thickens and oxygen levels decline in the shallows, larger pike transition to deeper water, seeking the edges of submerged weed beds, rocky points near drop-offs or open basins where pelagic baitfish or juvenile gamefish are abundant. Mid-winter fishing may require more patience but can certainly result in plenty of opportunities for big fish.
By late winter, as longer days and sunlight begin to warm the ice sheet, pike behavior shifts dramatically in preparation for spawning. Shallow, mud-bottom bays, particularly those fed by streams, become critical staging areas, offering warmer water, increased oxygen and abundant food. These locations attract trophy-class pike, making late-season fishing particularly rewarding for anglers seeking aggressive, pre-spawn fish.
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Know Before You Go : Top access points include state-maintained boat ramps in Northville, Day and Northampton. Anglers should exercise extreme caution on this lake, as inconsistent ice conditions and large pressure cracks are common. For those planning an extended fishing trip, the nearby town of Mayfield is a convenient base. It offers a range of dining options and is home to Jim’s Bait Shop , a favorite stop for serious pike anglers looking to gear up and gather local intel.Targeting trophy northern pike involves not just knowing what lakes to fish, but where on those lakes to drill your holes. Local bait shops can point you in the right direction. (Photo by Kade Gewanter) 2. Sabbatus Pond, ME Maine’s reputation as a haven for native trout and salmon makes the presence of pike seem almost like a typo. As a non-native species, pike have disrupted fragile ecosystems and drawn the ire of many local anglers. However, where some see a problem, others see an opportunity. Central and southern Maine now boast thriving pike fisheries, and even muskies flourish near the Canada border. Sabbatus Pond, near the town of Lewiston, has become one of the state’s premier destinations for those looking to target these toothy predators.
Spanning roughly 2,000 acres, Sabbatus offers not only an abundance of pike but also the chance to hook trophy fish. It’s not uncommon for experienced anglers to land more than 50 pike in a single day using a well-spread array of tip-ups, with legitimate chances at fish exceeding 40 inches. The combination of high numbers and impressive size makes this pond a magnet for ice anglers region-wide.
One of the key advantages of fishing in Maine is the state’s relaxed bait laws, which allow bait shop owners to trap and sell large, native baits that are perfect for enticing big pike. The saying “big fish eat big baits” is especially true here. Native species, like golden pond shiners, fallfish and suckers, consistently outperform farm-raised options, as pike are more likely to eat prey they recognize. Additionally, soft-finned baits are ideal, as pike avoid prey with sharp dorsal spines, such as yellow perch. For targeting the biggest fish, bait in the 8- to 12-inch range, whether alive or dead, is a proven tactic. Dead baits in particular are highly effective in trophy waters like Sabbatus.
Even with the best setups, there are days when large baits don’t perform. On these occasions, downsizing to smaller offerings, such as common shiners, can be the key to success. Sabbatus has such a dense pike population that using large, quality bait is essential to filter out smaller fish and target true giants.
Know Before You Go : Martin’s Point Park in the quaint town of Lewiston offers exceptional public fishing access. Its convenient location near Lewiston also provides anglers with access to excellent dining and upscale lodging options.Lake Onota in western Massachusetts is rather small at 600 acres, but it drops to more than 70 feet and is loaded with smelt, a favorite of big pike. (Photo by Kade Gewanter) 3. Lake Onota, MA Nestled in the Berkshire Mountains, Lake Onota offers a unique opportunity for anglers seeking trophy northern pike. Its elevated location ensures more reliable ice conditions during mild winters, while deep waters and abundant structure make it unique among western Massachusetts’ pike fisheries. However, Lake Onota is not a numbers lake—it’s a destination where patience and precision are rewarded. Anglers must come prepared with the right gear, as every sprung flag is worth the sprint.
Despite its modest size of about 600 acres, Lake Onota reaches depths of more than 70 feet and is home to smelt, a key ingredient for growing monster pike. Smelts’ pelagic nature allows them to school in the lake’s deeper areas, giving pike free rein to roam the entire waterbody and always be surrounded by a quality food source. While shallow structure is limited, a few key spots, such as the bays on either side of Appletree Point, provide great pike cover. This combination of deep and shallow habitats makes Onota an exceptional trophy pike lake, though long days with few flags should be expected. For those new to the lake, the public access point on the east side near the fishing pier is a great place to start. Onota’s size makes it manageable to cover on foot, allowing anglers to explore multiple spots during the day.
Being successful on trophy pike water like Lake Onota requires anglers to come prepared with the quality tackle needed to handle big fish. Tip-ups are the primary tool for serious anglers, with taller flags recommended for better visibility. A mainline of 30- to 50-pound nylon or Dacron is ideal, offering durability and comfort during hand retrieval. Steel leaders, uncoated to reduce bulk, or heavy fluorocarbon leaders starting at 60-pound test are essential to prevent bite-offs while maintaining stealth in the lake’s clear water.
Hook selection is equally important. For live bait, octopus hooks with an elongated gap allow for natural movement, increasing their appeal. Quick-strike rigs, featuring two treble hooks with blades for added attraction, are invaluable when hunting trophies. Place one hook near the bait’s head and the other toward the tail to maximize hookup potential. Onota demands patience, strategy and preparation, but for those willing to put in the effort, it’s easily the premier destination for trophy pike in Massachusetts.
Know Before You Go : No trip is complete without a stop at the Onota Boat Livery , a trusted tackle shop catering to big-pike enthusiasts. Additionally, the town of Pittsfield is home to multiple breweries, local eateries and an assortment of lodging for anglers traveling from out of town.This article was featured in the March 2025 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe .
