Pike Fishing Tips

If you like bass fishing, you'll love Northern Pike fishing! Pike are one of the easiest fish to catch on any body of water. We call them freshwater sharks. They will eat just about anything you throw at them.

These feisty fish are best for fishermen who like fast action of any type spinner bait, top water, crank baits, etc. If it's fun, fast action & lots of fish you're looking for, then these are the fish you'll want to target.

Where to Find Pike on the River

Pike will be just about anywhere in the river system. But you must remember you are fishing in & around current. So look for the structure that blocks or redirects the current. You will find them hiding in the eddies or slack water just outside the main channel, ready to ambush their favorite food. (walleye). They also like to feed in the shallow weedy bays, on minnows, leeches, crawfish or anything that moves. If you're after the big guys, try fishing from point to point across the bays in deeper water. The bigger & older they are, the lazier they get. So they'll be lying in the deeper pools & just off of the deeper side of weed beds & structure waiting for food to come to them. Also walleye are one of their favorite meals. So where ever you find schools of walleye there will be a few trophy pike close by.

Techniques

When Pike are feeding aggressively, just about any technique will work well. When using spoons such as Dare Devils, Five of Diamonds, Johnson Weedless Spoons, etc. we like to cast right into the weeds, rip it back just to the edge of the weeds, then let it flutter down. This imitates a wounded bait fish & will drive them crazy. These fish can feel the difference in the vibration of a healthy bait fish & one that is injured. Remember, walleyes will hang out in the weeds as well. When using crank baits & spinner baits let them get down in the weeds. Bumping weeds & structure will trigger them as well. Top water baits such as Zora Spooks, Buzz baits, Stick baits & Jerk baits are a lot of fun. These are just a few techniques. There a many different techniques that will work great for Pike. In the heat of summer, you may want to slow your presentation down as they are not as aggressive as when the water temps are cooler. All in all, these fish will provide you with great memories & lots of action.

Tackle & Rods

Avid pike fishermen like to feel the fight of a nice Pike on a medium light to medium action 6' rod with 10 to 12lb line. For novice fishermen, you may want to go with a 6' to 7' medium to heavy action rod with 12 to 15lb test line. Use a 20 to 30lb quality steel leader at least 12" long. Very important: check & adjust your drag often. A trophy Pike will break your line in an instant while you are trying figure out what just happened. Any lure that you like to use for Bass will work very well for Pike: Spinner baits, Rapalas, Crank baits, Rattle traps, Spoons, Top water baits, etc. Usually bright colors work the best. We have found in darker water that the perch colored baits work very well. Red & white Daredevils, chartreuse, yellow 5 of diamonds, Johnson silver minnow spoons, etc. These are aggressive feeders so don't be afraid to use just about anything you have in your tackle box. Remember, here in the river their favorite food is walleye so throw something dark green with a yellow or white belly at them. This is sure to get them feeding if all else fails.

If you follow these useful tips, you are sure to have plenty of Pike action here at Cozy Camp

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