Spring Pike Fishing - immediately after spawning

When the pike fishing season finally reopens on May 1st, one of the best periods for catching them awaits us. After a long spring, during which pike spawn in shallow, overgrown bays, they become extremely hungry and aggressive. This means it is time for top-tier fishing, provided, of course, that you choose the right lures and techniques.

Where to look for spring pike?
In early spring, after spawning, pike still linger in the shallow, rapidly warming bays where they found spots to spawn. These are usually muddy or sandy areas with vegetation that provide protection and an abundance of prey. As the water warms up, they gradually move toward deeper areas, but they still remain relatively close to the shore. The key to successful fishing is finding the passages between shallow bays and deeper water, as well as underwater structures that attract prey.

What lures and techniques should you use?
Spring pike are aggressive and will strike at most lures, but some techniques are still more effective than others.

• Soft plastic lures with jig heads – An extremely effective choice during this period are soft lures, such as the Rebrast Shad 12cm in combination with jig heads in sizes 6/0 or 7/0. Recommended jig head weights are between 5-15g, depending on the water depth and flow speed. In shallow bays and calm waters, you can use lighter jig heads, while choosing heavier ones for deeper areas.
• Sinking wobblers – are excellent for spring fishing. They allow for aggressive lure presentation, which is ideal since pike are very responsive after spawning.
• Spinnerbaits and spoons – use lures that create strong vibrations and flash in the water, thereby quickly triggering the pike to strike.

Proper lure presentation technique
In the early season, a slow and controlled presentation of the lure is often more effective. If fishing with soft lures, you can use a technique of slow lifting and dropping, which mimics an injured fish. When using wobblers, it is important to experiment with short pauses, as pike often strike the moment the lure comes to a rest.

Conclusion
Spring pike fishing is exceptionally exciting because the fish is hungry and aggressive after spawning. The correct choice of location, lures, and techniques will greatly increase your chances of a successful catch. If you are looking for high-quality lures for this time of year, check out our selection of soft lures and jig heads. Do not forget that it is key to experiment with your fishing technique and adapt to the conditions on the water.

Tight lines!