SUMMER PIKE METHODS

[reinhard1]

where are the big pike? weedlines, in the weeds, drop offs, deep. could be all of these depending on the lake. first of all a good thing to do is to determine if big pike actualy can be found in numbers in waters you fish. i'm talking here in the forest lake hinkley area.

with all the anglers, how can a big pike survive without partaking in one of the fine presentations put in front of them almost daily. not possible some would say. well, on opener, fall, and hard water the chances improve. i have my thoughts on the summer. what are yours? lets hear them. good luck.

[Kettle]

I have not targeted them, but have caught some dandies and have one up to the boat that was close to 40'' (Although water does magnify them) I have been catching them while eye fishing, many while pulling blades and crawlers. It is normally when I get close to weed-lines that are in the 10'-14' range, I typically zig zag the boat while eye fishing shallow 10' then out to 22' then back in. The eye lakes here in northern pine county are less than in other areas of the state, but I do know of many "Excellent" pike lakes up in the area. PM me and I can give you more exact locations on the lakes.

Kettle

[reinhard1]

i think you should PM me. seems like yours are full. good luck.

[reinhard1]

i believe the bigger pike will be where the coolest water is. lakes like big carnielian for example i troll the deeper shorline with a deep diving crankbait. in the 20 foot area. same with big marine. on grindstone this time of the year they will even be deeper yet with oxygen levels beyond 100 feet. they often follow the smelt just as lakers do. i like to drift with a heavier jig and creek chub minnows in the deeper waters in that lake. of course off weedlines in the shallower lakes trolling with spoons or casting larger spinnerbaits work also. good luck.

[Mcfin]

Early spring and fall big pike can be caught in shallow water mostly along the weed lines. Throughout the summer, small pike will still be caught in these areas but big pike go deep.

[tunrevir]

Some of my best big pike spots this time of year are where there are natural springs. Like Rhienhard1 said, cool water is a big draw with the temps inching up right now. Another spot is where there is water flowing into a lake or river and there is nearby cover like a weedline, wood or boulders. On rivers the biggest fish are typically on the downstream side of the flow, while on lakes I like to work the whole area thoroughly. Deep weed edges can be tops this time of year and are great ambush sites for those big pike as well. Another consideration to take in, is what size and profile of lure you use to target the bigger pike. Slightly downsized versions of most muskie baits will draw strikes from the bigger predator fish. Fishing big pike in this area is by no means a number game but can open your eyes a bit if you specifically target them.

Tunrevir~