Northern Pike

For Northern Pike near Paint, Pennsylvania, Quemahoning Reservoir is your primary target. While not as abundant as other species, pike are present and can reach impressive sizes. Spring, immediately after ice-out, finds pike staging near shallow weed beds and creek mouths as they prepare to spawn. Large spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and crankbaits are all good choices. Dead bait presentations can also be effective. A key tactic is to target areas where feeder creeks enter the reservoir, as these areas often hold baitfish. The north end of the lake is known to have a lot of flooded timber which is ideal pike habitat. Remember that pike have sharp teeth, so always use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs. The pike population in Quemahoning is relatively stable, but patience and persistence are key to landing one of these apex predators.