Pike to the Rescue!
As the snow melts away and the ice on the frozen lakes recede, many anglers are feeling the itch of the fishing bug. With Walleye and Bass seasons still months away, fishermen will target Crappie and Perch to help ease the pain. When I really need to feel something big on my line it’s Pike to the rescue!
Spring is the best time for Northern Pike fishing.
• Depending on the lake you are fishing, Northern Pike typically spawn sometime between March and May. Once water temperatures reach between 40-45 degrees F. Pike will begin to show up in the shallows. They can spawn both in open water and under the ice and show a preference for shallow areas that are rich in vegetation. Isolated bays protected from winds tend to be the first to warm up and are a great place to start your search. In the Kawartha Lakes area, we have several lakes that offer a year-round open season for Northern Pike. Balsam Lake has become one of my favourites to target early season Northerns.
• Although normally a very aggressive fish, the early spring can be a challenge to tempt them into biting, here are a few tips and techniques to help you succeed.
• Start your search in shallow back bays sheltered from the wind and away from the main lake. The best bays will have an organic bottom with remnants of weed from last year as well as some new emergent weed. Not all the Pike will head to these back bays to spawn. Try your luck on large rock flats with sparse weed along the edges or main lake points as well.
• Keep in mind the water is still cold and the fish will be a bit sluggish. Slower presentations allow Pike to track your offering and entice a strike. I like to have several different lure options available including Jerk baits, Spinnerbaits, and In-line spinners such as Mepps & Panther Martin. Be sure to make use of a wire leader. Pike have extremely sharp teeth and large jaws, the perfect storm for getting your favourite jerk bait bit off. Try to use the smallest, lightest wire leader you can get away with, a heavy wire leader can affect the action of some lures making them less effective.
• Try using smaller lures this time of year. The Pike haven’t really started to feed aggressively and smaller “snack sized” baits are likely to get more attention. Move slowly through prime areas trying to be as quiet as possible. The shallow water and lack of heavy cover will allow fish to spook easily, and an electric trolling motor or push pole is an invaluable tool. 
• Make sure your fishing equipment is up to the challenge. I like to use a medium or medium/heavy action rod and 20lb braided line. My preference is a baitcasting reel but spinning reels are equally effective. A good set of pliers and jaw spreaders can help with the removal of lures, but be careful, those sharp teeth can inflict nasty cuts to misplaced fingers.
Those first few weeks after the ice has been out can be some of the best times to target Pike.
They are feisty fighters and a thrill for kids as well as adults to catch. In addition, if you are inclined to take a few home to eat, the flaky white flesh is surprisingly tasty and firm thanks to the cold water this time of year.
Good luck and get outside!
Mike Quesnelle, GOAT Angling Adventures
topwatermike66@gmail.com
705 934-1450
