When do Northerns spawn?

[Guest]

Do Esox spawn in the fall? I've seen some river activity that leads me to believe that might be the case.

Thanx

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[Guest]

Northerns, unlike their muskie cousins, are early spring spawners -- sometimes even before ice-out. Females will now (Oct) have the start of good egg production and will be full of spawn in central Minnesota by late February.

[Guest]

Thanks Clayton -
That early egg production in a Northern I cleaned last weekend was one of the things that set me to wondering. That probably explains why they feed so heavily under the ice all winter.
Another thing that set me wondering was that in the river spot where I fish for Northerns (3-4lb. so far) we always seem to get 'em in pairs - then nuthin', not until the next day or two, any way.