Pike spawn in shallow weedy back bays shortly after ice-out. Bays and shorelines found on the north side of the lake will be the first to warm up, and are the most attractive to the cruising pike. Once the spawn is complete, the majority of the fish will linger in these back bays for some time, gorging on the available bait fish and awaiting a warming trend to occur in the main lake area.

Search out shallow bays in order to find post-spawn pike. Make sure the area you are concentrating on has a variety of cover – be it weeds, logs or stumps – and is between two and six-feet.

Spinnerbaits

One of the most productive and easiest baits to fish for spring pike is the spinnerbait. It represents an easy meal, has a bulky profile in the water and gives off flash and vibration.

My personal preference early in the season is for a spinerbait sporting a large willow-leaf blade, a sturdy wire body that will stand up to the abuse a pike can dish out and a fur or nylon skirt that undulates nicely in the water.

Bright colours such as chartreuse, red, and white get the nod for most applications.

Topwaters

Their are a number of topwater baits on the market that are suited to early pike.

The buzzbait is a great choice due to the large silhouette it provides and the surface commotion it exhibits. Fish this bait with a steady

retrieve.

Another key lure is the Zara Spook. The lazy side-to-side motion is intoxicating to both aggressive and neutral fish. Choose the larger version spook and make sure you fish the lure with a wire leader in order to save it from the jaws of this predator.

Spoons

Spoons have become a staple among early season pike anglers and for good reason – they catch fish. Proven spoon picks are the Red Devel, Five of Diamonds and many of the Williams line of baits. Experiment with different weights, and thickness of bodies, in order to establish those that have the most desirable motion and action in the water.

A trick to keep in mind for fish that follow yet refuse to hit, is to suddenly stop the spoon in mid-reel and let it flutter slowly downward. This tactic will entice the majority of “hot” pike to strike, and has proven itself repeatedly time after time.