Spring Pike Fishing

Hey guys,

I have a a few questions about spring time pike fishing. I know the basics: in the spring pike of all sizes move into the shallow bays to feed and to spawn but I am a bit confused as to how they act day to day. Where should I target pike on a cold overcast post frontal day? Will they still be in shallow or do they move out deeper to the transition areas? Are the pike staying in these shallow bays all day or do they move in only on warm sunny days. Do they tend to move back to the deeper areas at night and come in shallow again in the morning. Any recomondation on a paticular water temperature to look for? I know this is a lot of questions but any suggestions are welcome. And just for clarification when i say shallow bays im talking about 6 ft or less.

Also another thing I forgot to ask this time Of year I primarily use jerk baits. Painted baits like firetigre when water is stained realistic clours like gold and black husky jerks with clear water and translucent realistic baits like the live target smelt on high pressure days. Am I on the right track with this approach?
When would I use other types of baits such as swim baits and jigs, spoons, spinners and buzzbaits, crank baits etc.

Thanks again

Right now things are pretty slow depending where your fishing.. The lakes are still too cold. Pike will hang around where the water is comfortable for them. On sunny days they will be out soaking the sun in if the water is cool or cold..

you can read this post I wrote yesterday this can be but to most species of fish.. http://canadianriverangler.blogspot.ca/2014/05/when-should-you-go-fishing.html

As for lures, pike will usually hit basically anything that shines or reflects light or that looks natural as possible when in clear clean water like some of the Live Target matte finish lures. When water is dirty use the darker or bright lures a rattle helps a lot too.

CMD, I also primarily use jerk baits like the xrap, but its always a good idea to try the other baits you mentioned, especially when the jerk baits don't seem to be producing. It is a good idea to try different retrieves as well (fast and slow) with different baits until you find what they want. Generally when the water is colder you would slow your retrieve or go to live bait.

This is a really good article by Gord Pyzer that may answer some of your questions;

http://outdoorcanada.ca/19368/fishing/tips-fishing/why-spring-pike-fishing-is-so-good

Hope this helps

In cold water (under 55ish F), look for them in the shallows by shore. Your jerk baits will work just fine with a slower twitch.

When the water gets to 60ish F, try the bass style spinnerbaits and large mepps. Buzz them just above the underwater cover at the base of the shore drop-offs and pike will pound them to pieces. You can still clean house with jerk baits at the stage too, but you can speed up the twitching. Spoons and cranks will work too.

Wow thanks for all the responses I will post pics from the long weekend.

ok so now its supposed to go down to freezing tonight and only warm up to a high of 8. With this weather will the pike still be in shallow? Or will the shallow bays now be the cooler areas because the air will be colder than the water? Please advise thanks.

It's more or less dependent on the surface temperatures of the lake than the air, but during a cold front, they'll may be deeper holding in whatever vegetation there is at the bottom of drop offs. You may find the bite a bit slow.