Spring or Fall

[MNdreaMN]

Just wondering people's opinion as to the best time to catch trophy size northerns. I have heard some resort owners say it is best in the fall; however, I wonder if they say that because they can't get their lodges filled during that time of year. Just wanting some honest opinions from the experts. Thanks!

[reinhard1]

opening until end of june and sept. till end of december. in between go deep for big pike. the reason i end it in end of december is because the big females are full of eggs and they do spawn as early as feb. and are not the most eager biters. i dont know all the answers but that's pretty general info. if i knew everything i would be taxed heavily. good luck.

[chief]

The resort owners speak the truth.

Pike, especially large pike, are far more active in cool water. In fact, they have a biological need for cool/cold water that is second only to trout. As lakes cool in the fall, larger areas of pike habitats offer more of this preferred cool water. It's a percentage game. You have more active fish using more water.

(Remember the paradox here. Although pike are widely dispersed and hungry in colder water, their metabolism only lets them move just so fast. You'll have to slow your presentations a bit.)

Of course, the cool waters of the early season offer fine fishing too, but here in MN angling seasons aren't yet open (with the exception of some rivers).

[merkman]

As far as the ice season goes, I have seen most big pike moving in the last two weeks of February.