I like to use spinners for pike during the fall when they are feeding heavily. During the warm summer months I usually use sucker minnows. Sometimes I use a jig and let it sink to the bottom of deep pools, other times I just flip and flick the minnow around weeds and logjams where I think pike are residing. Most of the time a leader is unnecessary, even when the pike inhale the minnow, because I use 10lb mono and most of these pike are under 5lbs.
So following out that logic, you might have better luck using minnows during the winter because the pike will not be in peek feeding mode now. They may be too lethargic to chase after a lure. If you know any spots where you can catch creek chub, you can try some of those or look for a tackle shop that carries minnows. Pike have a hard time resisting a minnow. I usually use dead ones and just twitch them to imitate the struggling/dying minnow look. If you get a bite, you don't need to set the hook right away. I've literally waited 30 minutes+ sometimes. They swallow their prey head first, so put the hook through the mouth to increase your odds of a good hook set.
You may already know all of these basics and be looking for more specific tips for those spots, maybe someone else can chime in with more specific info.
No this advice wasn't too basic. I was thinking along these lines but haven't had more of a reason to go buy/bring some minnows along with me. Now I'm going to definitely give it a shot. I think you're right, super slow presentation and highly natural presentation is what these cold pike need.
i would have to suggest suspending crankbaits such as husky jerk or smithwick super rogue. worked slowly around any weeds still standing also rockpiles absorb sunlight and warm the water around them. work the bait with a SUPER SLOW sweep and pause retrieve.
I gotta get into those, haven' t bought any yet. The only "suspendable" cranks I have are pretty small and only dive about 3 feet max and float back up. I can't cast them far enough because they're so light. They're the Rapalla F-7 floating minnow and the R-7 shad. I'm guessing the husky jerk can get deeper and floats less?
Was the crayfish catch and release 
I have never fished the lake shore in T.O. but one lure I always have with me when fishing pike is red and white Daredevels in various sizes. I have caught pike in just about every area in the province (including Hamilton Harbor) on these. Not saying they work all the time, but they can be deadly at times and as a bonus many other types of fish will take one of these too.
Alfie.
It most definitely was catch and release hahah. I used to have pet crayfish so I could pick it up without getting pinched =P
My first pike was on a big daredevil knock-off from dollarama lol. It wasn't polished on the other side, just dull metal. Can these cheap finishes be polished? Time for some googling on my part =)
Thanks for all the help guys, keep advice coming!
