Territory of big pike

[mabr]

I was out crappie fishing yesterday and seen the 2nd largest NP I have ever seen personally. I have seen some pretty big ones and landed 3 right at 44" but not the girth this one had. The one bigger was on Rainy Lake that I missed fishing for bass.

Well im in 5 ft of water and reel in real quick to make another cast and up comes this monster right behind my little crappie spinner. I about sh-- my pants at the size. It wasnt a musky, it had all the markings of a NP and I know my fish pretty good. I want to catch this fish once the season opens and will fish specifically for it.

What are the chances it will still be in the general area in 2 weeks? I know there are alot of variables but this place has everything needed for any game fish, deep water close by, grass and food. How far will pike move, do they become territorial?

[NETim]

I'm no authority on pike by any means, but from what I understand, big pike prefer cool water, which usually means, deeper water, all things being equal. As long as there's food available in their preferred temp range, that's where they'll be.

The bigger the pike, the cooler the water they seek.

[mainbutter]

My best guess for where that fish will be on opener is in the same general area. If you can keep your eye on water temps, then move out deeper. if there is a significant increase in water temps. I'd give the 8-12 ft depths a shot if there's structure nearby in that range.

The good thing about sighting a fish like that is that there WILL be others nearby. Contrary to general thoughts, big pike will share waters with other big pike, at least from what I have seen SCUBA-ing in the past.

Hit that area and the deeper parts just beyond, cuz that's what I'd do

[Greyhairedpiker]

Great wisdom in this form from some piker’s.I agree with what has been said.

Are they territorial or will that fish still be there? All of us would check it out for you, Please give us at update.

About five years ago, I catch the same 40 in. plus pike three times in that season, always in the same spot. It was a cold water spring in only 6 ft of water in a shallow water river reservoir.

[Nick Kuhn]

Pike aren't territorial, but they will stay in the same area until there is a reason to move. So long as there is food water and comfortable temps nearby that fish will stick around (until it gets caught, then it will relocate).

[mabr]

All of us would check it out for you, Please give us at update.

I may just do that for you guys. Im serious about that also. Once bass opens my mind is on different things.

I was there again yesterday and didnt see that one but saw some other good ones during the day. All chasing shiners up in the shallows.