BEST MONTH WHOPPER

[JHM]

What month do you think is best for catching large pike???What do you think best bait ??What depth??






                                                 JHM

[iceintheveins]

December (first ice) and March (late ice) have been best for me. Pike are shallow and will feed at first ice. Fishing pressure and lowering oxygen levels in the shallows drive them to deeper water by Mid January. But by March, they will return to the shallows as oxygen levels increase again and they start staging to spawn and they will take deadbaits on tip ups. My biggest pike, a 20 pounder, came in late December.

[Water Wolf]

Yeah Mackdaddy is right on, first ice is usually good, the pike have had quite a while with out anything bothering them and are still actively hunting. They fire up again in March as they chow down for the rigors of the upcoming spawn. At this time they will be moving close to where they will be spawning like inflowing creeks or river mouths, be very careful though, along with current and the suns ray can really weaken ice in these areas so keep a good distance from any moving waters and always check the ice thickness.
The North side of the lake will warm up first, any bays there are a good starting spot.
I would try the largest bait you can find smelt, herring or sardines around the 10-12 inch mark are good for jumbo pike.
WW

[GAMBELL]

I agree with Mackdaddy21. 

[fishinmastah]

ive heard that march is the best for catching pike near the shoreline

[Muskie Matt]

Early/late ice as stated previously.

[METIPPIN]

I have better luck in March. Or just as the ice is going out.

[FishinAddiction]

I catch them all season. And nice ones, some of my biggest pike have come when no one is catching a thing in January and February. You just have to find where they move to during the middle of the season. They usually are not to far from where they are usaully caught.