Pike location

[LaVoi]

Hey everyone- Have a question for all you pros. I have been fishing a lake this winter that is well known for its big pike. The reason being anything over 24" must go back. But I love catching them and have no problem sending them back. But anyway I fished it a lot around Christmas and into early January. I didn't get back finally till last week and was surprised to see these big piggies were still holding in the same place, edge of weedline in 9-12'. I was wondering if these pike will hold here all the way till spawning, or will they ever leave the weedline for some deeper water. Thanks and good fishin, LaVoi

[Guest]

Well if you find Big Pike in the 9-12 feet of water and they have been there all year, there has to be something there they like. Obviously the weed line provides the cover they need but cover is not good enough alone. Food!! There must be good forage in that weedline also. Bluegill, Perch, etc. If that is the case and the winter continues as it looks it may, low oxygen should not be a problem and the Pike will most likely stay until pre-spawn.

I think I know the lake you are talking about, if not, I know one with the same regulations and the fish are still holding in the shallows there also. Most lakes I have fished this year the Pike have been considerably deeper the last few weeks. A good indication of this is when the "spearers" aren't seeing big fish anymore. I have had pretty good luck this year fishing deep, you just have to adjust your techniques a little and figure out what the food source is they are after in that deep water and how deep to fish them.ScottS