Question 1

Daily limit

Accepted Answer

6/day general (most zones). 1/day in zones 7, 8, 21, 27 (NEW 2026).

Question 2

Minimum length

Accepted Answer

Pike length limits were significantly tightened in 2026: Zones 7, 8, 21, 27: 70 cm minimum (NEW — was 56 cm); Lake à la Tortue (zone 7): No length limit (special — repealed 2026); Other zones: No min length (verify regpec)

Question 3

Season

Accepted Answer

Pike opens the 3rd Saturday of May in most zones, closes around mid-April. In zones 7/8/21/27, additional fishing restrictions apply during the special winter periods (Nov 1 – Dec 19, Mar 16 – 31).

Question 4

Equipment restrictions

Accepted Answer

Line ONLY in zones 7, 8, 21, 27 (no spear, no gaff, no harpoon); Whole or gutted transport mandatory (zones 7, 8, 21, 27) — no fillets, must be identifiable; Multi-line restrictions in winter (see /peche-sur-glace-quebec); Lure modification banned (intentionally modifying hooks is illegal)

Question 5

2026 changes

Accepted Answer

Daily limit cut from 6 → 1 in zones 7, 8, 21, 27; Minimum length raised from 56 cm → 70 cm in zones 7, 8, 21, 27; Line-only requirement added in zones 7, 8, 21, 27; Whole or gutted transport mandatory in zones 7, 8, 21, 27; Lake à la Tortue (zone 7): max length limit removed

Question 6

Best baits & techniques

Accepted Answer

Pike is an aggressive ambush predator. Top baits: Large swimbait (4-6") slow-rolled near weed edges; Inline spinner (Mepps #4-5) or buzzbait in summer; Bucktail jig (3/4 - 1 oz) jigged through pockets; Dead bait (smelt or sucker) under tip-up for winter trophy fishing; Daredevil-style spoon on slow retrieve

Northern pike quota in Quebec — daily limit & length