Shallows, Pike

We’ll are the pike still in the shallows now

Yup, still shallow. Anywhere from 3 to 8 feet down in the new weeds, that have already had a head start this spring. Pike are finished with the spawn and very hungry now, as always. This afternoon and evening will be perfect for pike fishing. The rest of the weekend looks good so far. Some sun and clouds with a few showers mixed in. No real wind to worry about, so far. There is a pike tournament on Balsam on Saturday. Most of those participants should be fishing the flats in the morning, and the first drop offs in the afternoon. Crank baits and Jerk baits and maybe some swim baits, or what ever your favourite set up is. This is a perfect time of year to bring some big minnows if you are after a trophy pike. I am assuming you are keeping the pike you catch. If you are keeping your catch, don't forget to wait until that pike swallows the big minnow before the hook set. Too many fish get lost by trying to set the hook too early when using big minnows. Impatience leads to frustration, and a bad day on the water. Good luck on your pike adventure.

This is the time of year when, on a calm day, you can see the big girls sitting in the shallows sunning themselves and waiting for something yummy to swim by.

Yep, all good points, CM and BT

300, I am not sure where in Ontario you are fishing. In Northern Ontario pike stay shallow all year round during open water season.

Here, in Southern Ontario big pike stay shallow until the water is below 19-22C , depending on the lake type and forage base.

Small juvenile pike up to 2 lb often in shallows year round .

As CM rightly said, pike has spawned early this year in Southern and Central Ontario due to early ice out and warmer March temps so the bite should be good in May.

Good luck !

Thank you. Fish Georgian bay today. Started in shallows 2-6 ft. Not a bite. Temp was 14 c. Maybe next week

Sorry. I thought you were fishing the Kawartha lakes region. That's why I mentioned Balsam Lake. Hope you catch some pike next time you get out.

NP. I really think GB is getting fished out. Last few years been tough for everything. Been here 40 years and was never like this the last few years