anyone fishing for pike?

[benhoffman]

has anyone been out fishing for pike this year? I'm thinking about heading out this weekend out from Swift and was wondering if anybody else has had any luck?

[ELY]

Hey Ben,

Haven't heard much for reports for pike on the big Lake. Now that the season is closed down here, we'll have to make a run. Might need to find a plowed road. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[veximan]

I haven't personally caught a northern yet this season. This past weekend during the Springsteel derby, a guy reeled in a 42"er - 20 some pounds to take top prize. It was rumored he caught it up at South tip. A buddy of mine caught one yesterday on 5 mile - 36"er. Swift would be as good as a spot as any (on the western side of the lake).

[cybermuskie]

Say...just wondering what the conditions are like around swift, and Warroad for getting around with a 4x4? Trying to plan a trip, but it's hard when I am far away from the lake to check myself!

Thanks!

Tippie! <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[WAG416]

When the warm weather moved in about 3 weeks ago or so, thats where my grandfather started fishing, he said the snow wasnt so bad, he made it out there with 4WD truck, I havent been out there personaly yet, but I would imagine it hasnt gotten any worse, as far as deep snow.Driving past on Co rd 12 I noticed a few houses out there. Hope this helps.

I Will be heading out there shortly, possibly as early as thursday. Dont quite know if I'm ready to take a short break from walleye fishin yet.

[fiskyknut]

I would have to say travel via P/U is still iffy at best due to snow pack. I see people stuck all over every time I'm out on the lake! Don't forget the shovels! Perhaps with chains a guy could get around okay. We've been getting Pike out on 5mile pretty regular as of late, soon time to dust off the tipups and set some deadbaits in the shallows.

fiskyknut

[WAG416]

Never used dead bait before, are we talking chunks of cisco? whole ones? dead suckers ? All I've used has been live suckers.

[fiskyknut]

Whole smaller LOTW Tullibee and large Smelts are my favorites. The frozen Herring sold as Ciscoes up here work okay too sometimes.

fiskyknut

[WAG416]

Where do you suppose i could find some smelt, and how small of tulibe? dont mean to be a pest, but I want to broaden my chances of finding one for the wall this spring.

[fiskyknut]

I get Smelts from folks I know out near Superior once they start their run. Till then I use the grocery store stuff, Dougs in Warroad usually have some and Wally's in Roseau does too. Those Tullibee's I catch thru the winter though this winter has been tough as they are all 2#'s and bigger! The Herring you can get at most local baitshops.

fi'skyknut

[hanson]

I'll second fisky's info! Nothing wrong with a big sucker minnow either. Couple times last winter the suckers were hit more than the dead. Try both and switch if there is a preference.

And since I feel so strongly about it, I would recommend a bunch of nice photos on that trophy and a replica mount. A 40" plus pike is a special fish and I feel should be released. Can't stop you from doing it but would like you to consider your options when it comes up the hole.

[Iceman6581]

Fished notherns saturday off of wheelers point 4-10 feet dead ciscos 1-42" 2-36" 1-30" and the biggest one snapped the leader at the hole.