Seeking pike advice

[Guest]

Will be fishing on river backwaters this weekend, looking to land big pike. The area we fish has depths from 4' to 20', any ideas on where the pike hang this time of year? Thanks!

[the big dipper]

I've angled and speared for pike, and the elusive big guy can be anywhere at any time. My theory is that when they get in a mood to feed they cruise around a good bit. This includes checking out the perimiter of their habitat( i.e. the primary drop off nearest shoreline )

I've had big pike follow a crappie up out of forty feet , and I've seen em come into a spear hole in 3 1/2 foot of water.

I guess I'd try spreading out with a few tip-ups. From reports from a couple of friends who have been trying backwaters for river crappies, they've been fishing in the deepest holes, and catching a few big pike also, so the pike are probably harassing the smaller fish in the school. In that case I'd set my tip-ups around the edge of where the schools of crappies seem to locate. Have fun and good luck.

[Guest]

Look for poles, logs, branches, etc. in the water on shore or near it. I like to put one flag in about 5-7' of water and another in about 10-12'. Typically the flat in the shallows and the lower edge of a breakline.
Most of my fish in river bays this winter have come in about 7' of water with shiners.
Suckers and fatties work better in deeper water for me. Hope this helps.

------------------
~~~~~~~~~~~
/
<The Sucka{
\

[Guest]

I've fished the Mississippi backwaters near the Coon Rapids Dam in the past and I've had luck fishing the flats near the deepest portion in the area. Most pike will relate to the deep water and roam when they feed. I place a tip-up off the edge of the drop-off and one on top of the shelf. Most of the time the one on top produces better but some of the larger fish came off the edge. Also, most of the walleyes I caught came off the edge as well. Another option is to jig the edge to cover more area. A lot of big pike in the river system. Watch out for thin spots and current.

Good Fishin, Matt.