Generally warmer weather will mean that pike are more willing to commit to topwater strikes. Although you can never say never in fishing, cold water usually means that fish want to hug the bottom and you might struggle for action on the surface in the depths of winter!
Do pike like topwater?
Timing Topwater Action
As water warms in summer, “up-high” presentations remain effective as long as pike aren’t too deep. Focus on shallow and mid-depth foraging zones. For instance, a pike prowling a rocky point or sand bar can be tempted with a topwater. Likewise, for fish around deep cabbage and other vegetation.
What fish bite top water?
Bass aren’t the only fish that can be caught on a surface lure. Pike are notorious for vicious topwater strikes. Trout, walleyes and even catfish will hit a lure on the surface under the right conditions. The biggest mistake anglers make fishing topwater baits is they set the hook too soon, Castiglioni said.
What is the best topwater lure for pike?
The 9 Best Pike Lures of 2022
- Best Overall: Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon at Bass Pro Shops.
- Best Crankbait: Rapala Super Shad Rap at Amazon.
- Best Spinnerbait: Booyah Pikee Spinnerbait at Amazon.
- Best Spoon: Eppinger Original Dardevle Spoon at Amazon.
- Best Topwater: Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper Topwater Lure at Amazon.
Are pike top or bottom feeders?
Both Musky and Northern Pike will feed in shallow water or in deep water. Many people think pike only hang around in shallow water but nothing is farther from the truth. Northern Pike in lakes with Whitefish and Lake Trout will go deep to feed.
Are surface lures good for pike?
Obviously, that kind of ambush structure (pads, stick-ups, sub-surface weed beds) is loved by pike. While natural prey tends to use cover to hide in as well as they can – surface lure fishing for pike lets you send out some very clear signals of prey in distress.
What’s the best time of day to catch pike?
During spring and fall, fishing between late morning and early afternoon will be the best time to catch pike. Very early mornings and late evenings are your best picks during the summer. In winter, the hours between the later mornings and middays are usually best.
When should you throw top water?
The best times for topwater bass fishing are early morning, at night, or on overcast days. However, there are other times when topwater baits can be just as effective, depending on the location and weather. Certain topwater baits will often be the most effective to use in some specific situations.
What baits work well for top water?
Here’s a list of the most effective summertime topwater presentations, and a breakdown of how and where you should be using them.
- Hollow-bodied frogs.
- Buzz Toads.
- Pencil Poppers.
- Walking baits.
- Prop Baits.
Can you fish topwater all day?
Despite being a favorite, you’d be surprised at how many anglers consider topwaters a time-and-place presentation. That’s a big mistake; topwaters can be effective from sunup to sundown, and they are also a great way to trigger big bites.
What color do pike see best?
Black or ghost patterns of lure baits are a great start. Pike will see a black lure against the skylight near the surface of the water more than other colours.
What color looks best on pike?
The ability of slower retrieve along with a softer underwater tone gives you the injured fish action northern pike prey upon. Best pike lure colors: Red/Black or White (sunny days), Chartreuse/Blue (cloudy days).
What colors can pike see?
When a pike looks towards the surface, all colours look the same against the sky. They only see a black silhouette! The only colour thing that does pop out on the surface is reflective material.
Do pike like shallow or deep water?
Most of these fish are caught in shallow water. Big pike, however, go deep. Many times they are in water 15 feet deep or deeper. At these times, a big deep running lure is needed.
What month is best for pike fishing?
Regardless of where you fish, late May and early June is a prime time to target big pike. The majority of pike will spawn around the full moon cycle in April whether under ice or open water. By mid-May the spawn is over and the big fish look to regain all the weight they lost during the spawn process.
Do pike like deep water or shallow water?
It also needs shallow water to be successful. The shallows warm up much quicker than deeper parts. If these 2 conditions are not met, the pike will not be able to spawn.
Why can’t I catch pike on lures?
Sometimes you have to virtually run the lure past the pike’s nose before it’s tempted to strike. If fishing a narrow drain or canal, always cast your lure ahead of where you’re walking so you don’t spook the fish. Remember, pike are often laying in wait in shallow water and margins.
Can you catch big pike on small lures?
Pre-rigged lures are the ideal place to start as these will be rigged for optimal performance. Once you have learnt how to use these then swap over to rigging your own so fine-tune your presentation. Go for lures in the 6-inch / 16cm range as these will be easy to cast and will catch pike of all sizes.
How do you catch more pike on lures?
Lure Speed: The cooler the temperature, the slower the lure. In winter, pike want an easy target so slow your retrieve right down to a snail’s pace. For autumn pike fishing or spring, aim for a fast retrieve rather than slow to trigger the pike’s predator instincts.
What temperature do pike start biting?
Pike stay shallow, following forage. Optimal metabolism temperature is around 66 degrees, and they’ll feed aggressively as the waters reach this temperature.
Where do pike hide in rivers?
Pike is a predator fish, who takes advantage of the surroundings. In rivers, pikes usually stay out of the stream, hiding in water weeds and lily pads. A great place to start would be the turning points of a river or river mouths. When it’s warm, pikes move to deeper waters.