This year as soon as the ice melts, I plan on fishing for some Northern Pike. At least until the water warms a little and then I'll switch to bass. I know pike spawn right after ice-out and they do so in very shallow water. Does any one have any advice on what to throw after ice-out? Do I stick with the same presentation and lure? Or do I slow down and down-size? I know pike remain active in cold water. I am primarily a bass fisherman, so in just not sure about early spring pike. Pike are usually accidental catches for me when I'm going for bass.

Sand flats /w rock and slight but not quite moderate current

 

Creek Mouths-this is about as sure of a thing as their can be targeting pre spawn pike

 

clean water-this is relative

 

lipless cranks yo yo'd slowly and jig/plastic i.e 3/16 or 1/4 oz jig head /w a plastic grub quartering the current.

 

I don't target pike but do target walleye during the same period the pike are in pre spawn. always always always catch dozens of unwanted pike.

I catch them pre spawn on just about anything that touches the water. Last year around this time I went 6 casts for 6 pike on a white boo yah spinnerbait smallest was around 20" largest about 30".

Pike fishing (as well as walleye) is CLOSED IN NY STATE in most waters from March 15th till the first Sat. in May......and by CLOSED it means you are not even supposed to target them. Bass fishing, however, is open during this period for C&R only, artifical lures only. Just go "bass fishing" you'll catch plenty of pike on "accident".

Pike fishing (as well as walleye) is CLOSED IN NY STATE in most waters from March 15th till the first Sat. in May......and by CLOSED it means you are not even supposed to target them. Bass fishing, however, is open during this period for C&R only, artifical lures only. Just go "bass fishing" you'll catch plenty of pike on "accident".

 

 

Wow you are right. I knew that, just forgot. Thank you for reminding me. And true, I could always go "bass fishing".  But there is probably a reason that pike season is closed during this time. I'll just go for bass like usual, and possibly have some accidental pike.

Closed season for pike? You guys trying to be California? LOL. I can't get pike to bite at ice out. They sit in the shallows and sun themselves and give me the finger. Late spring/summer is when I can't keep them off the hook.

They spawn at ice out. NY is well known to not allow fishing for spawning fish.

They spawn at ice out. NY is well known to not allow fishing for spawning fish.

Understandable. They just recently extended bass season to the whole year, as long as it's with artificial lures only (all I use anyway).

I catch a pike now and again fishing for drop back trout in early spring. They are in the creeks. Total pain in the butt on a centrepin setup, lol.

Yeah all mine are caught by accident bass fishing even the trout I catch are on bass gear like spinnerbaits and jerk baits.

The way things are going this year, pike season will be open again before the ice is gone.

The way things are going this year, pike season will be open again before the ice is gone.

 

 

 

Sadly, I think this might be true.

I have actually been looking forward to a "late" spring for a few years. Maybe...........just maybe, that when TX season starts here on the third sat. in June, a "secret" spot I like to go to for pre- spawn,and spawning fish will still be in play. Most years it's a ghost town by the bass opener. And it probably still will be, but  if it's ever going to happen, this is the year to think it might.

It's so bad with regulations here(ct) with predators on the endangered list with the population so large we have lost last years generation of fawns due to all the predators. The state has no clue what to do.

Open the season and give me the tags I'll give everyone  a special lead kiss behind there ears.