Fishing for Pike at Night: How to Catch Pike on Lures After Dark

Night fishing for pike on lures can be frustrating to many lure anglers, especially if you have little experience. Confidence can be hard to come by, but for those who dare, the banks fall silent, the water feels alive in a completely different way and every take comes with a surge of adrenaline that hits even harder in the dark. It can be highly effective and far less pressured than daytime sessions, but it also demands preparation, patience, confidence and the right lure approach.

Dom’s Recommended Night Fishing Lures
Fox Rage Shallow Replicant 23cm
Westin BullTeez 24cm
Savage Gear Mega D’Bush

Below, I share the tactics, tips, and lure choices that have consistently helped me catch pike at night, including plenty of big, lazy females that rarely show themselves in daylight.

Scout Your Spots in Daylight

Before you even think about night fishing for pike, walk your chosen areas during the day. This is essential. Get to know the bank layout, any roots, snags or uneven ground, safe access points and any depth or feature changes that might influence your approach.

At night, simple mistakes become much bigger problems. Slipping into the margins, tripping over hidden roots, or dropping gear because you cannot see properly can ruin a session or worse. A little daylight recon gives you a mental map to rely on when your torch is off and the world is pitch black.

A Simple Tip That Makes a Big Difference

One adjustment that has transformed my night lure sessions is fishing with my rod tip held slightly higher. This naturally slows the retrieve and keeps the lure working longer in the strike zone.

Big female pike at night can be surprisingly lethargic. They will hit a lure, but only if it stays in front of them long enough for their slow, confident approach. Giving them time to find the bait massively increases your chances of connecting with the real lumps.

Light Is for Safety, Not for Fishing

A quality head torch is non negotiable, but it is a tool for safety rather than attracting fish. Use your torch for walking the bank, identifying casting angles and unhooking or handling fish.

Casting at night feels completely different. Without visual landmarks, even experienced anglers misjudge their direction. A brief flash of your torch gives you a reference point so your cast lands where you intended.

One rule I always follow is this, I never leave the torch on continuously. Artificial light can easily spook fish, especially in shallow margins. I switch it on for what I need, then switch it off again.

Finding the Right Water After Dark

Just as during daylight hours, pike at night love areas with reduced flow. I always start with the margins, especially if I am exploring a new venue. Casting parallel to the bank, walking a lure slowly along the edges, or working around structure and slack pockets can all be incredibly effective.

Pike use darkness as cover to move in tight to the bank. A slowly worked lure in the margins often gets hit so close in that it makes you jump.

Recommended Night Lures for Pike

Night fishing is all about visibility, vibration, and presence. Below are the lures I trust most when the light fades.

Fox Rage Shallow Replicant 23cm
A large paddle tail with a slow, deliberate kick that throws a strong silhouette. Perfect for covering water at a steady pace and ideal for targeting bigger, slower moving pike.

Westin BullTeez 24cm
A long profile lure with exaggerated tail movement that displaces plenty of water. Its size and action make it easy for pike to track even in near darkness.

Savage Gear Mega D’Bush
My go to lure for targeting the pike’s lateral line. The thump, pulse, and heavy vibration make it stand out in low visibility. When pike cannot rely solely on sight, this lure helps them detect it long before they see it.

These lures give you the presence, vibration, and silhouette needed for consistent night results. They are big, bold, and perfectly suited to after dark predator behaviour.

Final Thoughts on Night Fishing for Pike

Fishing for pike at night with lures offers a unique mix of atmosphere, anticipation and raw predator action. With the right preparation and lure choices, night sessions can produce some of the biggest and boldest takes you will ever experience.