3 NORTH AMERICAN FRESHWATER FISH FOUND ABOVE 48°N AND HOW TO CATCH THEM

North America is home to a wide variety of freshwater fish, and the types of fish you can catch can vary greatly depending on the location and time of year. Here are three common freshwater fish found in North America above 48°N and techniques to catch them.

Northern Pike

Northern pike are found in lakes, rivers, and streams throughout North America. These predatory fish can grow up to 4 feet long and are known for their sharp teeth and aggressive nature. To catch northern pike, you can use a variety of techniques including trolling, casting, and jigging.

Trolling: To troll for northern pike, use a large, deep-diving lure or a live bait rig. Set your trolling motor to a slow speed and move the boat along the edges of weed beds, drop-offs, and other areas where northern pike may be hiding.

Casting: To cast for northern pike, use a heavy-duty rod and reel with a large spinnerbait or crankbait lure. Cast the lure along the edges of weed beds, under overhanging trees, and around rocky shorelines.

Jigging: To jig for northern pike, use a heavy jighead and a soft plastic bait. Drop the jig to the bottom and then slowly lift and lower it while reeling in the line. Repeat this process until you get a bite.

Northern Pike (photo: Kelly Sikkema @kellysikkema)

Walleye

Walleye are found in lakes and rivers throughout North America. These fish are known for their great taste and can be caught using a variety of techniques including jigging, trolling, and casting.

Jigging: To jig for walleye, use a light or medium rod and reel with a jighead and a soft plastic bait. Drop the jig to the bottom and then slowly lift and lower it while reeling in the line. Walleye are often found near the bottom of the lake, so make sure to keep your jig close to the bottom.

Trolling: To troll for walleye, use a deep-diving lure or a live bait rig. Set your trolling motor to a slow speed and move the boat along the edges of drop-offs and other areas where walleye may be hiding.

Casting: To cast for walleye, use a light or medium rod and reel with a spinnerbait or crankbait lure. Cast the lure along the edges of weed beds, rocky shorelines, and other areas where walleye may be hiding.

Walleye (photo: Zab Consulting @zabit)

Brook Trout

Brook trout are a popular game fish found in streams and small rivers throughout North America. These fish are known for their beautiful colors and can be caught using a variety of techniques including fly fishing, spinning, and bait fishing.

Fly fishing: To fly fish for brook trout, use a lightweight rod and reel with a small dry fly or nymph. Cast the fly upstream and then let it drift downstream naturally. Brook trout are often found in fast-moving water, so make sure to cast your fly in these areas.

Spinning: To spin for brook trout, use a lightweight rod and reel with a small spinner or spoon lure. Cast the lure upstream and then reel it in slowly, using a stop-and-go motion to mimic the movement of prey.

Bait fishing: To bait fish for brook trout, use a small hook and a worm or insect bait. Cast the bait upstream and then let it drift downstream naturally. Make sure to use a lightweight setup so you can feel the bite and set the hook quickly.

Brook Trout (photo: Brian Yurasits @brian_yuri)

In conclusion, the techniques and tools required to catch these freshwater fish can vary greatly depending on the location, time of year, and the specific fish species you are targeting. Always be sure to check local fishing regulations and obtain the appropriate permits before fishing…assuming such civil institutions still exist.

Northern Survivalist