Favored Tactics For Northern Pike?

[Tim Smith]

So, ironically, it turns out I'll be near a reservoir in Southern Colorado that is know for good pike fishing in the late spring. I'd prefer to fish for trout, but pike are what is there. So..when in Rome I guess...

I've had success trolling for pike at the Boundary Waters, but it has been a while and gears and techniques have come a long way.

At the moment I have medium action rods with 10 pound mono or 20 pound braid. The 10 pound mono is lighter than is ideal, but this is a clear water lake and braid makes me nervous there. I've taken big snook on the same 10 pound line and I think I can make it work for pike. I do have an option of 20 pound braid and I may switch to that. I'll need to get proper leader material and settle on a selection of lures that makes sense.

Is flourocarbon an adequate leader for good sized pike?

The local blogs are talking about swim baits and in-line spinners. I won't have long stretches of time to fish so I'm thinking of trolling those offshore from weedlines in the early morning.

Any suggestions or experiences would be welcomed.

[flytyer57]

First off, the size line you should use would depend on the size of the fish expected to catch. If the lake you are going to is known for large fish, go with the 20# braid. I've never known a pike to be line shy.

As for leader, forget the flourocarbon. Go with braided steel leaders in the 20-50# class. Pike can and will bite through flouro just as easily as mono.

As for lures, swim baits are productive, as are inline spinners. But don't forget the large safetypin spinners either. I've ccaught some of my best pike on my biggest bass spinnerbaits. Althouogh they will get torn up by the pikes teeth and bent out of shape by the fish thrashing around.

I've also had good luck on Rattle Traps, and Rapala Shad Raps. Large beetle spins with curly tailed grubs also produce well.

Another consideration is bait color. If the lake you are going to is crystal clear, then by all means, use natural colored baits. If there is any color to it, then use white or yellow. Yellow was my favorite color in the tannin stained lakes I fished back in WI.

Do not forget the steel jaw spreaders and a good pair of pliers to get the hooks out. Pike have bony mouths and they are full of razor sharp teeth. You do not want to get your hands near their maws unless you are looking for a trip the local drug store for boxes of bandages.

[Tim Smith]

Thanks, FT. That sounds like great information. I'm used to fish with teeth dealing with barracuda and similar things recently.

Steel leaders in freshwater. Man. We'll see how it goes.

[Fly_Guy]

Like flytyer, I've done about the best on large bass spinnerbaits - I prefer white. I've caught em on inline spinners and spoons too - my personal favorites are the Mepps spinners with the minnow on the back. I have on that I took on a Canada trip - the minnow is tore to pieces from all the teeth! If it has flash, it'll work. We always used braided 25lb steel leaders.

Target shallower weedy bays, or any beaver dam you find. We never failed to catch at least one pike off of a beaver dam.

If you're going in the morning too, throw a topwater prop bait or a buzzbait along the edge of the weeds.

[Jason Essary]

Tim, was going to chime in but these boys have you right on target. Rattle traps (3/4 oz) in various colors are great if its not to weedy. In-line spinners work wonderful over medium weeds and standard spinnerbaits if your in the thick stuff. If your just looking for fun, get in the thick stuff with a johnsons silver minnow with a white or yellow grub on the back. Always produces great numbers but for bigger fish hit the deeper edges and channels. Steel leaders are a must and make sure they are quality.

[Tim Smith]

Guys I really appreciate the advice but it was all for naught.

The snow pack is crazy this year and the reservoir was so disturbed and so far above flood stage that no one was really catching. At night, the afternoon melt would surge into the reservoir and raise the river levels. I talked to a dozen anglers and between them all the total take over 2 days was 2 trout and one pike. I tried #3 spinners and rattle traps along the flooded willows and never got a strike.

I guess the good news is that the daughter enjoyed the canoeing I finally got my Colorado permits. With the canoe now in the garage along with the kayak, day trips are possible and time on the water should go up appreciably.