First, When Does It Happen?

Northern Pike spawn in the early to mid spring months, most commonly in March and April here in Western Montana. River pike will spawn when the water temperatures are much cooler, 40-44 degrees F. They are prone to stage near their spawning locations days to several weeks prior to water temperatures reaching 40 degrees F. While lake fish key on these same water temperatures, they tend to spawn a little later than their river counterparts as the bodies of water they are in typically stay colder for longer into the springtime.

Once spawning temps have been reached, Northern Pike will normally seek out fairly shallow areas that have vegetation and wood for cover.  These areas water temps will warm up much faster than the surrounding waters. Usually this can coincide with rising spring runoff which flood low-lying shoreline grass creating perfect spawning locations. The spawn is pretty short for the biggest female pike and can be completed in as little as two to four days or less. 

So, What Does This Mean When It Comes to Catching Them?

Truthfully, it usually means a bunch of frustrations, but can yield some good fishing. If you are fishing rivers, pre-spawn is usually very good but is probably over now. Once they start actively spawning, it is very difficult to get them to eat; however, with a subtle fly presentation you can still entice a few fish to eat.  As runoff starts to level out and drop, the water clarity will start to increase and post spawn fish will set up in obvious cover locations. It’s a few weeks away, but those fish will become super aggressive.

Now is the time to get on the lakes. The ice is has just recently started coming off and those populations are coming into pre-spawn. The only downside to this right now is that with this sudden change from cool 30 and 40 degrees to 70 and 80 degrees, their time table will rapidly accelerate and these fish will move through their spawn patterns much quicker than in a “normal” year with a more gradual, earlier temperature change. You probably won’t catch as many right now compared to when when the water temperature comes up into the 50’s and 60’s later in the spring, but the chances for catching the big one you have been looking for are much greater.

The Best Bite Me Flies Patterns for This Time of Year

Pre-Spawn: Natural Colors (Match the Food)

Whitefish, Trout Colors, Perch, Black Mamba, and Standard Minnow in the Original Epoxy or Reaper Series of pike flies.

Black in the Monster Cones series of pike flies.

During the Spawn: Bright and Aggressive Colors

Big Bird, Firetiger, Dirty Perch, Red & White, and Pink Tiger in the Original Epoxy and Reaper Series of pike flies.

Yellow Sparkle and Black & Orange in the Monster Cones series of pike flies.

Keep Up With Us!

Subscribe to be the first to know about any deals, new products, fishing reports and new additions to the blog!