Freshwater Fishing Tips

Pickled Pike Recipe: A Northern Midwest Tradition

Pickled Pike Recipe: A Northern Midwest Tradition

If you’ve spent any time in the upper Midwest, you know that Northern Pike fishing is more than just a pastime—it’s a tradition. Whether it’s summer weekends spent casting lines into the lake or ice fishing during the winter, pike are a staple for outdoor enthusiasts across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond. And what better way to celebrate a successful catch than with a classic dish: pickled pike.

Pickled pike on a cracker

Pickled pike pairs perfectly with a good cracker

This recipe has been passed down through generations, becoming a cherished appetizer especially around the holidays. But let’s be real—if you’re a true Midwesterner, you’ll agree that pickled pike can be enjoyed year-round. The dish pairs perfectly with good crackers, a sharp Wisconsin cheddar, and a cold one, making it a go-to snack for gatherings or a tasty treat while kicking back after a day on the water.

Ingredients & Preparation:

    • 1 quart of Northern Pike fillets (about one 24” pike)
    • 5/8 cup table salt
    • White vinegar
    • 1 medium white onion, chopped
    • Pickling spices (details below)
    • Mason jars (wide-mouthed work best)
Steps:
1.  Prep the Pike:
    • Start by freezing your pike fillets for at least three days. This step is essential for food safety.
    • After thawing, cut the pike into cracker-sized pieces.
2.  Pickling Process:
    • Place the pike pieces into a non-reactive glass bowl.
    • Mix in 5/8 cup of table salt per quart of fish and pour in enough white vinegar to fully submerge the pieces.
    • Place the bowl in the fridge for five days, stirring the fish daily.
    • After five days, drain the pike and rinse with ice-cold water for 30 minutes to remove the excess salt.
3.  Pickling Sauce:

While your fish is rinsing, prepare the pickling sauce by combining:

    • 2 cups white sugar
    • 2 cups white vinegar 
    • 4 crushed bay leaves
    • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
    • 1 teaspoon whole allspice
    • 2 teaspoons whole mustard seed
    • 1 teaspoon whole clove
    • 1 pinch of fresh grated lemon rind

Bring the mixture to a boil for 5 minutes, then let it cool completely.

4.  Jar the Pike:
    • In the bottom of each Mason jar, add 1/8 cup of the cooled pickling brine.
    • Start layering the fish and chopped onions, filling the jars to the top.
    • Pour in the rest of the pickling brine to cover the fish and onions.
    • Place the jars in the fridge, and your pickled pike will be ready to enjoy the next day—but trust us, it gets even better with time.
    Pickled Northern Pike in glass jar
    Pickled Pike is a great way to preserve your catch

    Why Pickled Pike?

    Pike are notoriously bony fish, which might discourage some from cooking with them. But that’s the beauty of this pickling process—the vinegar softens and even dissolves the bones, so they’re undetectable when you bite into the tender, flavorful fish. It’s an ingenious way to make the most of your catch, turning something tricky into a culinary delight.

    This dish holds a special place in many Midwestern households, often appearing as a holiday appetizer. It’s not just about the food, but the memories tied to those chilly mornings out on the lake, waiting for the bite of a pike. Pickling the fish extends the joy of the catch, allowing you to savor it long after the trip is over. 

    Fisherman in boat with caught pike

    Pike Fishing Gear

    If this recipe has you eager to get back out on the water, make sure you're properly equipped with the best tools for the job. We offer a wide range of gear that’s perfect for your next Northern Pike fishing trip. We recommend utilizing a 7ft medium to medium heavy action rod, like our Raven Spinning Combo or our Trophy Stalker—both known for their excellent sensitivity and tough construction, ideal for handling the fight of a big pike.

    Pike have incredibly sharp teeth that can easily slice through some fishing lines, so it's essential to match your line to your rod and reel setup. For reels with a drag capacity of at least 15 pounds, we recommend using a 15 to 20-pound braided line for optimal strength and durability.

    And don’t forget your Calcutta Bait Binder, perfect for keeping your tackle organized and accessible, especially when switching between lures like spoons and spinners, which are perfect for attracting aggressive pike.

    With the right gear, you’ll be set for a successful day on the lake. Explore more fishing essentials here and get ready to reel in your next big catch!

    Youth angler with pike
    Pike fishing is fun for the whole family

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