Pike or Cat?

[coldhand]

I have to catch a new species on the ice this next year. My only choice's are the channel catfish or the northern pike.
The water hold's both, one side deep, one side shallow. The cats are deep, the pike shallow, maybe.
I want the pike more but I'm a catfisherman by nature.   This is a front range lake, not elevated. 
Which will be more likely?


   

[dennisthemence]

fish the cat area and set a line for pike. i would bet there are a few cruz'n the deep area

[coldhand]

I just can't see the difference in presentation.
Catfish seem to be perfect location and the pike seem to be patience, I can wait longer but I can't cover ground,  we only have two poles here.

[delawareriver]

Fish last half of the day for pike, then set some tip ups with cut bait at dusk for a hour or two after dark. Bet you could catch both in one day

[hagfan72]

Which lake?  I used to live in CO.

[Jessox80]

Hogs of both species will eat salted dead baits fished close to or just off the bottom. You may catch both with this presentation. I'd try it in the shallower water, especially near weed beds or drop offs.

[coldhand]

Thanks for all the info. Finally got a catfish on a different lake, probably 15'', using a live minnow. Really impressed with how much energy he put into the fight, same as in the middle of summer.
The winter forecast was right about the southwest being warmer this year and the wind isn't doing the ice any good so I might stick to the shallow side that stays "safer" longer.  Definitely want to find some suckers somewhere too, guessing a single hook and a worm on the bottom for that.
This side has some form of vegetation, not really weedy actually, there are bushes and trees that I'd like to get as close to as possible, whats a safe distance to pike fish near branches?   Really don't think they'd be too big either.

[dennisthemence]

you are more ap to catch bass. but the pike will cruz thru there looking for a meal. i would check out the weed line just outside the brush [look for some kind of point in that brush or weeds and set-up near it].