By Nick Simonson

There is no fish in the waters of the upper Midwest more voracious than the northern pike and when the ice begins to give way and meltwater begins to flow down gullies, creeks, and small rivers, catching them is a sure sign that spring is starting up.  Sometimes the weather is cold, and the run of pike happens all at once making a spring stalk of these water wolves a here-and-gone scenario.  Other times temperate conditions prolong a spring pike bite throughout late March and April, sometimes even into May as the fish are free to do as they please in the feeders that fuel their mating rituals.  Being ready for either scenario is key in catching them, and finding the biggest ones in a water.

Spy the Spawn

Knowing where northern pike spawn is the first step in intercepting them as they prepare to beget the next generation of fish.  Thus, identifying inflowing creeks, gullies that pump meltwater into a river or lake, and even those warm shallow bays they utilize when the water hits 40 degrees and sets the mating process in motion, is an important starting point.  Utilizing a map of a flow, or following the contours of a satellite rendering of a lake or river will point out those places where water comes in and pike will likely stage to make their run.  Additionally, checking depth maps of a lake will help isolate those bays – often those on the north side which warm up faster thanks to more direct sunlight in spring – that will provide suitable spawning grounds for northerns.  Use previous successes to mark spots as well, and extrapolate those experiences to similar areas which may also provide good alternative starting points.

Sling that Thing

From there it’s a matter of getting something big, bright, and flashy in front of those aggressive springtime northerns.  A collection of larger jigs in the 1/4- to 3/8-ounce range are a good bet when dressed with larger plastics, such as four- or five-inch plastic curlytailed grubs, minnows, or shad-shaped swimbaits.  Hues in white, chartreuse, pink, and other bright shades often catch the attention of pike, but don’t overlook darker options such as black or brown, especially on cloudier spring days. Spoons also are a classic go-to lure for pike, and those from three to five inches in length will cover lots of water and trigger reaction strikes.  Utilize steel leaders for all pike baits, finding thinner wire options for more precise presentations.  While large suspending stickbaits and similar crankbaits can be employed, just remember the more hooks involved, the tougher the landing-and-release process will be as pike gator-roll with those options attached and can quickly make a mess of the mesh in any net.

Promote and Protect

When a hot spring pike bite materializes, there’s no better place to take a young angler or one who has not experienced the thrill of battling the myriad two-to-five pound males and the chance to take on the runs of those rarer females running 15 to 20 pounds or more.  Make sure to share the opportunity with others coming up the learning curve and add a few lessons in location, lure selection and drag management along the way.  While keeping a few of the smaller males for the table makes for an excellent spring meal or a stash of jars filled with pickled pike, remember to release those larger fish that are likely females, especially when a distended mid-section suggests they are full of eggs.  Snap a quick photo and return the fish to the water to let them spawn.  Consider utilizing a rubber net for easier landings and for less stress on the protective slime coat, jaw bones and gill plates of those pike you plan to put back. 

The pike bite can happen quickly dictated by meltwater, spring rain and resulting water temperatures. Have your spots staked out, your gear ready to go, and an angling buddy prepared to join you in the fray.  By doing so, you’ll find that favorite first fishing action of spring.

Simonson is the lead writer and editor of Dakota Edge Outdoors.

Featured Photo: Spring is Slime Time. Northern pike provide spring’s first consistent action for anglers, with the aggressive fish taking aim at about any lure that comes their way.  Simonson Photo.