tough Pike bite

[FishnwithJordan]

anybody else having trouble in the Lincoln county area getting the pike to hit the tip ups? Last couple of times ive gone out very little to no flags

[missoulafish]

What you using for bait?

[FishnwithJordan]

What you using for bait?

Ive used smelt, Herring and perch belly so far and havent got much for results

[missoulafish]

tried brineing or dyeing the baits at all?

[Worktoplay]

Heck try a hot dog

[albo]

Heck try a hot dog

I do use hot dogs. I cut them into 1 to 1-1/2 chunks, use blue raspberry jello and a bunch of garlic powder. let them sit in this till the hot dog chunks look like a smirf and smell like garlic.

[FishnwithJordan]

tried brineing or dyeing the baits at all?

I haven’t, ill try that this next time i go out, sounds promising

[FishnwithJordan]

I do use hot dogs. I cut them into 1 to 1-1/2 chunks, use blue raspberry jello and a bunch of garlic powder. let them sit in this till the hot dog chunks look like a smirf and smell like garlic.

sounds promising honestly, if the dye/brine doesn’t work out

[Fortpeck1]

When the pike bite is off , I use shrimp on a flash spoon[ purple, gold, or silver]
Soak in salt to toughen them up.
Also use bigger smelt [ I use 8"+ long] .

[BigSage]

Two weeks ago I used chartreuse cut bait from Zimmer Tackle.  Worked great.  9 flags in 3 hours

[Walted]

Spearing is an option. Assuming it's a legal option where you're fishing.

[FishnwithJordan]

When the pike bite is off , I use shrimp on a flash spoon[ purple, gold, or silver]
Soak in salt to toughen them up.
Also use bigger smelt [ I use 8"+ long] .

thanks for the information man! ill be sure to try it out and let you know the results!

[FishnwithJordan]

Spearing is an option. Assuming it's a legal option where you're fishing.

it is legal but, ive never been the biggest fan of spearing, always enjoyed the fight pike give!

[Walted]

it is legal but, ive never been the biggest fan of spearing, always enjoyed the fight pike give!

As do I. Just thought it might be worth mentioning.

[RuralMT]

A little food for thought...I forget which podcast mentioned it, but in regards to hot-dogs, apparently not all are created equal.  I heard reference to a particular brand that sinks significantly better than the rest. 

Has anyone tried sausage links like folks on Flathead Lake use for lakers?

[MT_BINX]

A little food for thought...I forget which podcast mentioned it, but in regards to hot-dogs, apparently not all are created equal.  I heard reference to a particular brand that sinks significantly better than the rest. 

Has anyone tried sausage links like folks on Flathead Lake use for lakers?

Stop giving away our secrets 

[oldschoolben]

It's been a weird year for me as far as the pike bite, I haven't had this slow of a season since I got into ice fishing.,

[esox_xtm]

A little food for thought...I forget which podcast mentioned it, but in regards to hot-dogs, apparently not all are created equal.  I heard reference to a particular brand that sinks significantly better than the rest. 

Has anyone tried sausage links like folks on Flathead Lake use for lakers?

Hot dogs... Like Mark Twains' cigars, the cheaper the better. It's probably the high fat content that carries aromas. This part of the country it's Bar-S franks. Better if marinated in salt and fresh garlic.

[stitch]

Have you tried chumming? I grind up dead shiners or perch skin and guts.pour a little in the hole every half hour or so.good luck.stay safe.

[KatJohn7]

I have been in sanders county doing well with my wife and kids. I like to use smelt 4-6 inches. I hang them bout 2 feet off the bottom. I don’t have much luck with bigger smelt.