Yesterday was my first day back in the bait shop and anglers were excited to back in their boats ready to catch fish. Knowing what species of fish already spawned, and others that are getting close to spawning is truly important. Yesterday water temperatures were in the mid to upper 40s, so if you are targeting Northen Pike, this could be the best time to catch the biggest of the year.

It should be noted, Northern have been known to spawn under ice when water temperatures are between 34 to 40 degrees. Spawning usually is over vegetation (reeds/weeds), but Pike have been known to spawn over shoreline gravel/rocks too. Most likely baitfish will be in this area and that means Northerns will be present too.

After spawning in shallow bays and/or feeder inlets over vegetation or shoreline gravel, bigger female Pike will usually move to the deeper part of that bay or the first drop off near the spawning area. When they are done recovering, they can move back to shallows and will begin feeding aggressively, and Northern on their own species. If baitfish are present, smaller males and female pike won’t move far from the spawning area as larger Northerns will, and these smaller Pike are very catchable.

Where would one of the best locations to land a DECENT SIZE Pike be? I would think starting on the weed line edges of windblown bays or just off shoreline points with vegetation is a good start. The first drop off of an opening of an inlet just off the main lake could also hold some nice size, Pike. Keep in mind, the north shorelines warm first and this location should be you’re starting point. When Northerns are feeding heavily, larger live bait under a float can work really well. Casting spinnerbaits should not be overlooked either. As far as color of artificial baits used, match the hatch. Meaning chose a color of the species they are feeding on.

ITS COMMON SENSE THAT LARGER FISH CARRY MORE EGGS. IT’S ALSO A FACT THAT LARGER FISH PRODUCE BIGGER FISH.
LARGER NORTHERN PIKE CAN DEPOSIT 100K EGGS COMPARED TO THE 8K to 10K EGGS A SMALLER PIKE WILL SPREAD.

THAT BEING SAID, FOR OUR FUTURE, PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH & RELEASE FOR NORTHERN OVER 24 INCHES.