Ice Out Pike…Can't Wait!!

Fishing ice out pike at Pasha Lake has been on my bucket list for many years. It’s finally going to become a reality in 2 LONG weeks. We’ve all seen the video of James and Chad catching these fish on jerkbaits a few years back. I would love a few suggestions for attacking these pre-spawn fish. I’ll be armed with jerkbaits, small bucktails, spoons, and spinnerbaits. What’s left in your bag of tricks for early season pike? Personally, I haven’t had a lot of luck with swim baits and pike.

I might try a little brook trout fishing as well. I’ll be sure to have a full report with pics when I return.

trapsht wrote:

I would love a few suggestions for attacking these pre-spawn fish.

Couple things, I think you’ve got your tackle selection in a pretty good place. Good call on small vs big bucktails. Only thing might be crankbaits. Often I’ve hit the pike when using Rapalas looking for walleye.

One note – probably talking post-spawn fish. I thought pike spawned under the last ice or immediately after.

I have had success with soft plastics Berkley or Storm swim baits 4 to 5 inch range. I caught a 30in Northern 2 weeks ago and she was spawned out, and very agressive.

Glide baits, glide n rap and larger sub walk. Can put it in there face and twitch with almost no forward movement. Works good if you know fish are in area but won’t eat. Good luck

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A group of us fish ice out pike on St. Joe and we have the best luck with Little Cleos.

Tough to beat the slow wobble of a spoon, I have been very surprised over the years at how a small lure can catch such big fish at ice out. So dont necessarily go big. These fish are in recovery mode so don’t play them long if you can help it. If your not fishing Nipigon then dead bait would be a great option.

Michael Bryant wrote:

I have had success with soft plastics Berkley or Storm swim baits 4 to 5 inch range

What kind of jig heads do you like when targeting pike?

Thanks for all the solid advice fellas…I will definitely apply your recommendations. I only have 3 days of actual fishing. Praying for good weather.

Hard to beat the X Rap, although a Johnson Silver minnow can be just as lethal