Green Weeds & A Drop-Off Could Equal Pike Success This Weekend

Bears aren't the only things getting fat this time of year... so are the pike. This is the perfect time of year to start targeting pike, and to have success, you should know what types of areas to fish. Here are 5 tips to make your fishing trip more successful, plus some lakes you might want to target.

Fish The Edge Of The Weeds

Look for the outside edge of cabbage, coontail, and bulrushes where weeds meet open water. Pike like to sit just inside or along that edge and ambush baitfish. The Minnesota DNR specifically recommends thick vegetation and the edges of bulrush beds.

Fish Shallower Water Than You'd Think To

You've got to find what they are eating if you are looking to catch pike right now, as they bulk up for winter. Start in 4–10 feet of water, particularly where you find green vegetation. If that's not producing, work toward 10–15 feet. The key is finding baitfish, what the pike are eating, and not simply finding a particular depth.

Check Your Bait, Bigger Can Be Better

Pike aren't terribly picky. Spoons, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and larger crankbaits are good choices. The DNR notes that pike commonly feed on perch and suckers in the 4" to 15" range, so don't be afraid to go bigger.

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Slow It Down, It's Not A Race

No one wants to run for a meal, and neither do pike. They want something that looks easy. A fast-burning lure can still work, but experiment with a slower presentation and pauses. A jerkbait that looks like an injured baitfish can be particularly effective because pike often attack prey from below.

Bring The Right Tools For The Job

Losing a lure to a fish with teeth like a Northern Pike happens, but make sure you've got the right tools for the job. The Minnesota DNR recommends at least 15-pound braid and a foot-long steel or fluorocarbon leader, plus a net and long pliers.

Some Lake Suggestions Around Central Minnesota

I know everyone has their own spot they like to fish, but here are some local options if you want to switch it up.

• Lake Koronis - Lots of vegetation and shallow-water habitat to work.
• Rice Lake - Worth exploring around weedlines and shallow structure.
• Sauk Lake - A convenient Central Minnesota option with plenty of pike habitat.
• Clearwater Lake - A good lake to investigate around vegetation and points.
• Big Lake - Another accessible option where I'd concentrate on weedlines and shallow structure.

Happy fishing!

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