Pikes sits on the top of the food chain. In fact, you can refer to this vicious species of fish as an apex predator. The amazing attributes these fish possess doesn’t make it scary (not to us); rather, they make them an exciting species of fish to go after. However, there is a little exception. In some states, fishing for pikes during their spawning season is prohibited. You could land in trouble if you are caught doing so. So, to ensure that you steer clear from the trouble that could result in you paying a hefty fine or cooling off your heels in jail, you need to know when this fish spawn.

Spawning season for pike can begin as early as February in moderate winter or cease as late as May after a cold spring. Just like some other fishes, this special season is usually dependent on water temperatures.

The spawning season is usually the time when female pikes lay low to carry out their reproductive duties. During this period, these species of fish are usually very vulnerable. However, to ensure that this fish population is balanced, you may be prohibited from pike fishing while the season is on. Though in some countries, the law doesn’t exist. So ensure you do your research before you catch pikes during their spawning season. Also, the pike fishing ban period differs for each country, so be sure to do your homework on that as well.

Learn more about the best rods for pike fishing – reliable and very affordable.

When Do Pike Spawn? – Time, Water Temperature, Seasons

Pike spawning season is the period when these species of fish lay and fertilize their eggs. The spawning process, which I believe is a blissful moment for pikes, usually last for several days. During this period, this species of fish select a unique location and lay their eggs. They usually lay a few eggs at a time in different areas in the water.

Pikes spread their eggs along the river or lake, with some getting attached to vegetation and other water elements. This species of fish spawn during a specific period of the year. Their spawning period is usually during early spring in March and April when vegetation starts to sprout. During the spawning period of this fish, pike anglers are banned from catching these fishes as doing so could affect this fish’s population. The ban is absent in some countries anyways.

After hatching, pikes are known to grow fast thanks to their excessive feeding habit. Little pikes usually feed on anything that can enter their mouth, be it little insects or anything else that moves. As soon as they have attained a considerable length, they change their diet and hunt for smaller fishes like the predators they are.

During spawning season, female pikes seldom hunt for food as they would normally. They often stay with the eggs until the season is over. After the end of the spawning season, female pikes leave the eggs to develop on their own and go out to hunt for prey. During this period, any prey it finds would be very sorry. They would consume anything that fits in their mouth. Female pikes are usually bigger than males, so they definitely have the advantage.

Learn more about top 4 reels for pike fishing.

How Long Do Pike Spawn?

The spawning season for pikes is when eggs are laid by the females and fertilized by the male’s sperm. It is basically the process of reproducing pikes. Professional anglers often look forward to the spawning season because of what comes after. After the spawning season female pikes go into a feeding frenzy, they eat whatever can fit into their mouth, including the males. This bizarre feeding frenzy makes them big, and that is why pro anglers often look forward to post-spawn. However, most anglers aren’t aware of the post-spawn period because they don’t know how long it takes for this fish to spawn.

Pikes spawn for 3 months. The spawning season for pikes begins in early February and is concluded in late April. The duration of this period isn’t usually constant; it varies according to the temperature and location.

Knowing how long these fish species spend spawning will help you strategize, especially when you live in a country that prohibits catching this fish when they reproduce. However, if you reside in a country where this law isn’t applicable, having this information, will surely benefit you.

Learn more about the best lures of each type for pike.

Where Do Pike Go To Spawn?

Like other creatures out there, the pike fish reproduce, and they do so during a specific time of the year. During this special period, the male pike persuades the female to release her eggs after which he fertilizes it with his sperm. After a few weeks, the fertile eggs hatch and lo and behold, a new generation of pikes emerge. I bet you probably know all this, but one thing most of you don’t know is the locations where these species of fish reproduce.

Pikes spawn in a locations that include marshes with grasses, sedges, rushes or aquatic plants, including wetlands. Mature females usually migrate to shallow water with slow currents where their offspring will likely survive during reproduction.

During spawning, pikes don’t just lay their eggs in specific locations. They do this for a few reasons. First, they spawn in these locations to keep them safe from predators and to ensure that they survive. Lastly, they lay their eggs in areas that wouldn’t hinder their fertilization when the male does his thing. The location’s temperature, including the current, are essential factors when considering an ideal spot for spawning. Worthy to note is that pikes don’t spawn their eggs in a specific area; they usually change location, spreading them across the ocean or lake.

Learn more about the best techniques while fishing for pike with lures.

At What Temperature Do Northern Pike Spawn?

Spawning is a word that is very common in the fishing world. It is a process whereby mature female fishes lay eggs that are fertilized by matured males. During this period, which occurs at a specific time of the year, the female pike selects an ideal location to spawn. After spawning, she watches over her eggs with the help of the male. Spawning season is a very special period for pikes. However, this process wouldn’t be possible if certain requirements aren’t met. One of these requirements, the most important I would say, is temperature. So, that begs the question, at what temperature do pike spawn?

Pikes spawn when the temperature is around 40-48 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature must be right for this fish species to reproduce, if not, fertilization may be hard, and their offspring may not survive.

When it comes to pike spawning, everything must be right. The location must be right. The time must be right. The temperature must be right as well for the eggs to develop and hatch. Spawning will not take place if the temperature isn’t conducive.

Early February to late April is the ideal time for spawning because the temperature during that period is appropriate for the process. If your location allows catching this fish during the spawning period, you would want to target the males because, during this period, the females are usually busy. However, after everything is done, ensure you go after the females who should be bigger and more fun to catch than the males.

Learn more about pikes diet, favorite food, feeding and more.

How Many Eggs Do Pikes Lay?

Pike is one unique species of fish you would want to go to school to learn about. However, that would be ridiculous, wouldn’t it? You see, as an angler, there are several things you need to know about this fish. These details, which cover fishing techniques and other vital aspects of this fish, can help you become a successful angler. Now that we are aware of certain crucial information regarding how this fish spawn, it is best to narrow down our focus to one fascinating aspect concerning the number of eggs they lay. So, how many eggs do these species of fish lay?

A small pike may lay around 25,000 to 50,000 eggs during spawning while a big pike may lay 180,000 to 225,000 eggs. Each egg laid by the pike doesn’t hatch at the same time. The time is usually dependent on the water temperature. If the pike laid the eggs in a water of 43 degrees, the eggs would hatch 26 days later.

A pike, like most fishes, lay lots of eggs. However, you should know that not all the laid eggs will be fertilized. And not all the fertilized eggs will eventually hatch. Also, not all the hatched egg will survive. The number reduces per stage. For instance, a pike that laid around 25,000 eggs may lose around 1,000 eggs due to some reasons, one of which is the water temperature. If the temperature of the water is not conducive for the eggs, they will definitely not develop. Also, a pike could lose its eggs to predators.

Pike is one legendary fish that has been around for a while. Lots of long-time anglers are aware of this fish and what it feels like to capture one. Simultaneously, novice anglers can only look forward to the day when they have a close-up encounter with one of the most vicious fishes in the aquatic world. Pikes are tough, unlike the usual fishes you see every day. They are prolific hunters who’ll eat just about anything that can enter their mouth. For those who are yet to encounter this fish, I guess you’d want to know how it looks like.

Pikes have an appearance that makes them look like a pole-weapon regarded as a pike. It has an alligator-like head, and it is often olive green in complexion with a shade of yellow or white along its underside. Its sides have little rectangular-like spots followed by some black spots on its fins.

Pikes look like a fish that could cause a lot of trouble in their habitat. Their mouth’s structure, body size, and sharp teeth prove the significant threat they pose to smaller fishes or other unfortunate mammals. In fact, these vicious fishes sit on the top of their food chain and they have no predator to be scared of aside from humans. So, I bet you now have a little cue of how feared this fish is in the aquatic realm. Let’s delve into more interesting stuff about this fish.

Learn more about the best rods for pike fishing – reliable and very affordable.

What Does Pike Fish Look Like?

Pike are linked with fishes that belongs to the genus of Exos (a Greek word for long-bodied fishes). These fish species are as aggressive as most of the aggressive fishes you know, and I guess that is why most anglers fancy this fish. Indeed, everyone enjoys the fun that comes with catching an aggressive fish. The chase, the struggle, the action and all create a moment you will find had to forget. However, if you are a novice angler; don’t get your hopes high as catching this fish isn’t a walk in the park. You can ask those who have had an encounter with this formidable predator.

Pikes are not very common like the tuna fish. You wouldn’t see them gallivant in the open sea, neither would you see them staring at you like dolphins. If these fish species aren’t somewhere spawning, they’ll be somewhere hunting for their meal which ranges from frogs, birds, smaller fishes, insects, and other small mammals. For those who have seen this fish before, I know it was worth the sight. However, for those who are yet to view this fish, here is a lucid description.

Pikes have a long mouth that resembles a shovel to a pike weapon. They also have big teeth for tearing apart unfortunate prey and for intimidating anything that dares challenge them for their territory. This fish has one dorsal fin including an anal fin close to its tail. In addition, there are two pairs of fins near its long head and stomach. Pikes also have small scales that come in blue-gray, yellow-green, or pinkish-red colors, and they become fairer near the fish’s belly.

The biggest ever pike to be caught was 55-pound, and it was caught in Germany in 1986.

Learn more about top 4 reels for pike fishing.

What Color Is Pike?

There are several pike enthusiast out there. We have those who love to catch this fish and those who choose to admire this fish from afar. Whichever category you fall under, I bet you would like to know more about this fish.

As an angler, regardless of your expertise, good knowledge about this fish would complement your fishing tactics out there. On the flip side, if you are interested in this fish but lack the courage to go after it, a little piece of valuable information would give you an ideal insight into this fish. When it comes to describing a pike, one thing that would strike every inquisitive mind is its color. What is the true color of this fish? Is it black? Grey? Lemon? Greenish?

Pikes are olive green in color. They have a yellowish-white underneath while their flanks are adorned with colored spots that match the color of their underneath. Sometimes, the fins of a pike are reddish.

A pike’s colour can be quite confusing, and I guess it is simply because it’s not blue, black, yellow, or some kind of primary color. An angler might tell you that pikes are green while another may give you an answer that contradicts the first. You really can’t blame those people because it is kind of hard to identify tertiary colors and humans tend to perceive colors differently.

So unless you are good at identifying colors, you wouldn’t identify the color of a pike correctly. You may call it as green or simply lemon because its color actually resembles green. Though knowing the color of this fish may not be enough to help you differentiate it from its cousins, the muskies, you can always use this information to enhance your knowledge about this fish.

Learn more about the best lures of each type for pike.

Does Pike Have Big Teeth?

Pikes are a well-known predator fish. Looking at them closely, you tend to see why they still hold their position at the top of the food chain. These fish species hunt and kill like a professional assassin. They have the energy, the vision, and senses to catch their prey unawares. Their aggressiveness is also a testament of how unwilling and cruel this fish can be.

Pikes have a huge appetite and would eat anything that they can get into their teeth-filled mouth. They eat small fishes, birds, frogs, and other little mammals that are unfortunate to encounter this fish. But wait a minute; if this fish can consume a frog, it means they have massive teeth, right?

Pikes have big teeth which play a significant role in their feeding. Like some other fishes, a pike’s teeth come in several rows and are around an inch long. These sharp teeth are instrumental in tearing preys like butter.

A pike would be less feared without the scary teeth it possesses. In fact, if a pike’s teeth weren’t as long as it is, it would have been a picky eater. These teeth don’t just help a pike devour its preys; they also help it keep prey from making a run for it. The number of teeth in a pike’s mouth varies. Of course, younger pikes will have lesser teeth while older pikes will have more. The biggest pike fish caught had 700 teeth in its mouth. That said, a pike can have from 300-700 teeth in their mouth as they grow.

Learn more about the best techniques while fishing for pike with lures.

Does Pike Have Scales?

Pikes have several features; some are distinctive while some are common. As an angler, it’s best to treat every information about the pike like a valuable artifact as you never know when they will come handy. Having already provided you with a lucid description of what these fish species look like, including its color, and the type of teeth it possesses; its best we move to something else. Most fishes have scales, and I believe you’d want to know if this common feature is present in this particular fish species.

Pikes have scales like several other fishes out there. The scales of this fish have uneven rows of yellow or gold bar-shaped spots. Pikes don’t have lots of scales on their body. The gill cover of this fish lacks scales.

The scales of a fish has several functions. The most important function of this feature is protection. So, the fact that a pike’s body is covered in a few scales gives it more advantage when hunting.

Learn more about pikes diet, favorite food, feeding and more.

Where Do Pike Fish Live?

Fishing for pike and making a substantial catch is never easy, you shouldn’t let anyone fool you. Nothing good comes easy. So if you want to catch a fish as good as the pike, you will have to put in the work. And one way to go about that is by doing good research—Surf the net for fishing effective fishing tactics that you can quickly master. Also, you’ll need to inquire about the best tackle for the job. And most importantly, you will need to know where the fishes reside.

Pikes are easy to locate if you know where to look. To find this fish, you’ll have to scour sluggish streams and shallow, weedy locations in lakes and reservoirs. You can also find these fish in cold, clear, and rocky locations.

Pikes aren’t like tuna; they don’t exist in all the water bodies in the world. So to find these species of fish, you will need to go to search the right places. Looking for pike in the wrong location is like searching for a mouse on a sea bed. You will surely end up frustrated, and frustration is not good for any angler.

Learn more about pike spawning timings.

Pike is a unique fish that every angler would love to encounter. The experience of catching this fish is enough to excite a professional angler and send chills down the spine of a novice. Pikes are a popular ambush predator that eat about anything that isn’t too big for their mouth. They are often present in spring, summer, fall, and winter, so be sure to get your gear ready during each season.

With that in mind, you should also note that fishing techniques vary for each season. For instance, during fall, when the temperature is often cool, you will need to re-strategize and equip yourself with the appropriate tackle. Here is something that would help you fish for pike during fall.

Pike fishing in fall comes with a different technique entirely. The fishes here are quite big plus they love to hide within weed and roam the shallows. To capture pike doing this period, you’ll have to learn how to fish the edges. Leverage a quality fish finder to locate baitfish and pike.

Since these fish species are quite popular in the fishing realm, I am certain that you might have heard several tales about this fish. Somewhere, you would have probably heard that the pike is a very easy fish to catch because of its huge appetite. Of course, the huge appetite of this fish makes it easy to capture. However, I don’t think the “easy” in that context is the same as “a walk in the park.” So don’t think you could go out during fall, unprepared, and bag a huge pike, just like that. It doesn’t happen that way. You need to be ready, and one way to do that is by learning how to pike fish during fall.

You can check this article I wrote about 4 best rods for pike fishing which are very reliable, affordable and suitable even for a novice.

Pike Fishing In The Fall

Pikes are ardent lovers of cold water. With that said, you don’t need a prophet to tell you that the fall and winter season are the best time to catch this fish. In fact, big pikes often rare their alligator-like heads during these seasons. This simply means that, if luck shines on you, you could end up catching and taking a memorable picture with a world record pike. I’m quite sure you’ll love the experience! However, you will need to equip your mind with the right information before you think of fishing regardless of the season.

So, let’s say you want to fish for pike during the fall season. What do you do?? Do you grab your gear and head out without proper preparations? Or do you go to that favorite spot of your and expect the usual magic to happen?

You see, the truth is, this fish act differently in each season. Some seasons they migrate to shallow water, and some seasons they go deep. Some seasons, you may find these fishes hiding in between covers while some seasons they may ditch hiding and come out in the open. So, if you are an angler and you don’t know this, you may end up wasting your precious time and return home frustrated. To prevent that from occuring, here is a little summary of what fishing for pike in the fall looks like.

To catch this fish during fall, you first need to know where they are holed up. During the fall, pikes are known to seek shelter in edges. They usually take refuge in vegetation, rocks openings, and open lanes on flats. Knowing these locations isn’t enough. You also need to know how to fish in them. In other words, you need to know how to fish in edges. Also, you’ll need to pinpoint their feeding locations and their travel lanes. And the best way to do that is with the help of a fish finder.

In this article I have done a full research in order to find the best 4 reels for pike fishing.

Is Pike Fishing Good In The Fall?

During fall some anglers often give up on pike fishing. You see them clean their tackles, including their boats, and wait for the fall season to pass. They probably believe that the fall season isn’t the perfect time to catch this fish. Or maybe they are scared of the cold or the likelihood of going out to fish and coming back with nothing. Well, if you are among those anglers; here is what you need to know.

Fall is one of the perfect seasons to fish for pikes. In fact, it might interest you to know that pikes like the cold. So you have a huge chance of catching pikes, big ones for that matter, during cold seasons like fall and winter.

Those who curse their luck and complain of how hard pike fishing during winter are either ignorant or lack the right skills needed to catch this fish during fall. It is said that pikes can be caught in any season, be it spring, summer, fall, or winter. All you need to do is know where to look, their behavior patterns in each season and the appropriate tackle to use. Once you know all that, catching this fish during fall should be one of your favorite hobbies.

Learn more about the best lures of each type for pike.

Do Pikes Eat In Fall?

Fall indicates the transition from summer to winter. This season is characterized by shorter daylight and cooler temperature. During this season, pikes are usually active, contrary to what most ignorant anglers think. However, their preys aren’t always very active due to the water temperature. And as a professional angler, you should know that one of the easiest ways to catch this fish is by finding out where their prey is. If you find their prey, there is a huge possibility that one or two pikes are lurking around. Since pike’s prey doesn’t enjoy the fall season, does this mean pike don’t eat in fall?

Pike is a well-known predator and a fish with a massive appetite. These fishes will always fill their stomach regardless of the season. During fall when the water temperature is a little low, they’ll often ambush their prey late in the afternoon when the temperature increases.

The truth an out pikes is that they are gluttons; one of the worst fish gluttons you’ll ever come across. These fish species will devour whatever their mouth can contain. So, saying a fish will go on hunger strike during fall is like saying a lion will not eat because it’s a little sunny. Provided prey are available; a pike will always feed. The only time these fish don’t feed much is during spawning. During this period, female pikes are charged with protecting her eggs, thus, limiting her feeding habit.

Learn more about the best techniques while fishing for pike with lures.

Do Pike Bite In Cold Water?

During cold seasons, things are usually boring on the land. Chimneys spring back to life. The road is filled with snow. People don heavy coat and jacket to safeguard their body from the biting cold. And the road becomes a little bit free. It is almost the same in the aquatic world. During cold seasons, some fishes migrate, while those who can adapt stay. Because of how water temperature affects live in the water, anglers often consider the tendency of fishes to bite before hitting the water. So, this simply means that if you intend to fish during fall, you need to find out if pikes bite in cold water.

Pikes bite in cold water because of their aggressive nature. If you intend on fishing for pike during fall, you must adopt lures that can be withdrawn slowly without compromising their action. Pikes in cold water will attack lures that run deeply and slowly, one that mimics the movement of actual prey.

When the cold seasons hit, some fishes become less active. They cower in their warm hiding places and wait the season out. The pike, being a vicious predator, will bite regardless of the season. As an angler, you can enhance their tendency to go after your lure by adopting the right type of lure.

Learn more about the pikes appearance in this article.

How Do you Fish For Northern Pike in the Fall?

There are lots of pike anglers out there. However, I can confidently tell you that only a few of these anglers catch lots of pikes on regular basis. And I can also confidently inform you that only a few of those anglers know the right fishing technique to adopt during each season. You see, the successful pike anglers are those who can read pikes like a book. These anglers know how these fish species behave during each season and each time of the day. This ability that I bet you are craving for right now was birthed out of research and sheer determination. So, before I digress too much, here is a summary of how to fish for pike in the fall.

During fall, pikes usually reside in rock and vegetation edges and knowing how to fish these edges requires a tactic. First, you need to evaluate the terrain well to pinpoint their feeding areas and travel lanes. Afterwards, set up your gear and fish in the areas. Make sure you focus on the best edge zone rather than gallivanting.

If you have your sight on big pikes, the strategy to adopt is similar to that used in catching muskies. Since days are short, and feeding windows are united, you’ll need to concentrate on the best areas rather than wasting your time on large areas. Leverage electronics to find pikes and baitfish, then try different lure selections and positioning across the edge until you encounter a pike.