- Spring is the best time to fish for pike as they are more active and hungry after a long winter.
- Pike prefer shallow waters during spring, so look for them in areas with vegetation or near drop-offs.
- Using live bait such as minnows or leeches is effective, but artificial lures like spinners and spoons can also work well.
- Retrieve your lure slowly and steadily, pausing occasionally to mimic the movement of injured prey.
- When you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook to ensure the pike has fully taken the bait.
- Pike have sharp teeth, so use a wire leader to prevent them from biting through your line.
- Be patient and persistent when fishing for pike in spring. It may take some time to find them, but once you do, you can expect some exciting action!
Spring is finally here and with it comes the perfect time to cast your line and try your luck at fishing for Northern Pike. Known for their powerful jaws and aggressive feeding habits, catching a Pike can be quite the challenge for even experienced anglers. But fear not, as with the right techniques and gear, you too can reel in this elusive predator.
As the weather warms up, Pike begin to move from their deeper winter haunts into shallower waters to feed. This presents an excellent opportunity for fishermen to target these fish in the early spring months. But getting those bites can still be tricky, requiring careful consideration of bait selection, location, and presentation.
In this article, we’ll dive into some tips and tricks on how to fish for Pike in the springtime. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information to help you land that catch of a lifetime. So grab your rods and let’s get started!
The Quick Answer:
Looking for the best locations for spring pike fishing? Look for shallow lakes or rivers with lots of vegetation and drop-offs near shallow waters. Backwaters are also great spots, as they provide excellent spawning grounds and attract smaller baitfish. Ponds can be another great option, especially those with deeper sections and structure like rocks or logs. When it comes to bait, live minnows, shiners, and suckers are all great choices. Don’t forget to do your research on local hotspots and check regulations before fishing any new area.
Best Locations for Spring Pike Fishing
Spring is an exciting time to go pike fishing, and the location you choose can make all the difference. Pike are known to spawn in shallow water, so it’s important to find areas with warmer temperatures. Lakes or rivers that have a lot of weed growth are also great places to fish for pike in the spring.
Lakes
When looking for a lake to fish for pike during the spring season, look for those that are relatively shallow and have lots of vegetation. The weeds provide cover and protection for the pike while also acting as a source of food. Look for locations that have drop-offs near shallow waters, as these spots are often great feeding spots for pike.
Rivers
Rivers with slow-moving currents or backwaters are perfect locations to catch pike during the springtime. Backwaters provide excellent spawning grounds and attract other smaller baitfish, which will lure in larger predators like pike.
Ponds
Ponds can be another great location to catch pike during springtime. These smaller bodies of water can often warm up quicker than larger lakes or rivers, making them prime areas for early-season fishing. When choosing a pond, look for those with deeper sections and structure such as rocks or logs.
Tips:
- Do some research on local hotspots by talking to other anglers or checking online forums.
- Be sure to check local regulations before fishing any new area.
- Pay attention to weather patterns; sunny days tend to warm up shallow water faster.
- Keep an eye out for any visible structures like rocks, fallen trees or weed beds – these areas typically hold more fish.
Top Bait and Lures for Spring Pike Fishing
Bait Options:
When it comes to bait for pike fishing, live bait is usually the best option. Minnows, shiners, and suckers are all great choices. If you’re looking for a more hands-off approach, dead bait can also be effective. Cut bait or frozen smelt are two popular options.
Lure Options:
If you prefer using lures, there are many options to choose from. Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and crankbaits are all great choices. Topwater lures like buzz baits or poppers can also be effective in the spring when the water is warmer.
Pro Tip:
Experiment with different colors and sizes of bait or lures to see what works best on your local body of water.
Proper Rigging Techniques for Spring Pike Fishing
Leader Length:
When rigging for pike, it’s important to use a leader that is at least 12 inches long to prevent bite-offs from their sharp teeth.
Rigging Live Bait:
When rigging live bait like minnows or suckers, hook them through the lips or back so they remain lively in the water.
Pro Tip:
If using dead bait, try adding scent attractants like fish oil or garlic to entice pike even more.
Effective Techniques for Catching Pike in the Spring
Casting Accuracy:
Pike tend to hang out near structure like weed beds or fallen trees. Make sure your casts are accurate and land close enough to these structures to entice bites.
Suspending Lure Technique:
One effective technique for pike fishing is using a suspending lure. Cast near structure and let the lure sit, occasionally twitching it to mimic injured prey.
Pro Tip:
Slow down your retrieval speed in colder water temperatures as pike tend to be less active.
How Water Temperature Affects Spring Pike Fishing
Warmer Water:
As water temperatures rise in the spring, pike become more active and aggressive. This is a great time to try topwater lures or faster retrieval speeds.
Colder Water:
In colder water temperatures, pike tend to be less active and require slower retrieval speeds or suspending lures to entice bites.
Pro Tip:
Check local weather forecasts and monitor water temperature changes throughout the day for optimal fishing conditions.
Safety Precautions for Spring Pike Fishing
Handle with Care:
Pike have extremely sharp teeth which can easily injure anglers. Handle them carefully using pliers or gloves and release them gently back into the water.
PFDs are a Must:
Always wear a properly fitting life jacket when fishing from a boat, especially in cold water temperatures where hypothermia can set in quickly.
Pro Tip:
Invest in quality polarized sunglasses to help spot underwater hazards like rocks or logs.
Identifying a Pike Bite and Setting the Hook in Spring Fishing
Bite Identification:
When fishing for pike, you’ll feel a hard tug followed by slack line. This indicates that the fish has bitten your bait or lure and is swimming towards you.
Setting the Hook:
Once you feel the bite, reel up any slack line and give a quick, strong hookset to ensure the hook is securely in the fish’s mouth.
Pro Tip:
Practice setting the hook quickly and efficiently to increase your chances of hooking a pike.
Tips for Releasing Caught Pike in the Spring Season
Handle with Care:
When releasing a caught pike, handle them gently using pliers or gloves and avoid touching their gills which can be easily damaged.
Revive Before Release:
If the fish appears tired or lethargic, revive it by holding it upright in the water and moving it back and forth until it swims away on its own.
Pro Tip:
Use barbless hooks or crimp down barbs to make releasing pike easier and less damaging to the fish.
In conclusion, fishing for pike in the spring can be a rewarding experience with the right techniques and equipment. By following these tips and paying attention to the habits of this species during this season, anglers can increase their chances of success on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Fish for Pike in Spring
What lures to use for pike in spring?
Swimbaits are excellent lures to catch pike in the spring, and Storm’s 360GT Searchbaits® are the best of the best for catching them in shallow and mid-depth waters. These lures are easy to use, and a consistent reeling motion creates a realistic swimming action that entices pike to strike.
Is pike fishing good in spring?
Spring is the best season to catch pike. The periods before and after they spawn are particularly good for catching large fish and there are also plenty of smaller ones. From the time before the ice melts until pike move to their summer spots, using different patterns can be successful.
What temp do pike start biting in spring?
Pike fish typically start eating more frequently when the temperature of the water is between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. As the temperature rises to 65 degrees, they enter a feeding frenzy during the spring season. This pattern is commonly observed.
What time of day do you catch pike in spring?
Northern pike, like other predatory species, are most active during dawn and dusk, but can still be caught at any time of day. They primarily rely on sight to feed and are not likely to bite during the nighttime.
What attracts pike most?
Pike are fish that rely heavily on their sight and are often attracted to vivid hues such as white, chartreuse, and bright orange. Additionally, they are highly receptive to baits that emit strong vibrations or sounds.
How do you target a spring pike?
To find the best fishing spots, search for shallow back bays with soft bottoms that thaw and warm quickly. Ideally, the back bay should have around three feet of water, be flat, and have a creek feeding into it. Additionally, look for areas with cane or weeds for the best results.