Pike fishing involves lots of things. It is more than picking up your tackle and heading to a nearby river with the hope of catching a 30kg pike fish. You see, when it comes to pike fishing, you won’t always get lucky. So, forget about luck and focus on how to improve your game. And what way to do that than knowing what other anglers don’t, like the best weather for catching pike.
The best weather for catching pikes varies per water body. However, as a rule of thumb, these fishes thrive during mild weather, especially when it’s cloudy. In rivers, the best time to catch this fish is when the weather is at a normal level.
The weather is a very crucial element to consider if you want to really go out there and catch lots of pikes. Remember, these species of fishes bite differently during all weathers. So, it is crucial that you know the best weather to target this fish so as to improve your catch rate and return home happy. As we move further in this article, we will provide you with information regarding how to use the weather to your advantage when targeting this fish.
Learn more about 4 pike rods which are efficient, reliable and very affordable!
The Best Weather For Pike Fishing:
Weather affects pikes, just as it affects humans and other animals. During certain weather, you see this fish actively feeding and biting at anything they see like a hungry child, and during some weather, they remain calm like a shy loner. If you go out to fish when these fishes are inactive, you return home frustrated. However, if you are privileged to know the best weather for this fish, you’ll end up catching lots of them.
The weather doesn’t just affect pikes; it also affects the tackles you adopt. A professional angler will always plan for the weather when pike fishing. It is straightforward. Match the tackle you use with the weather to obtain balance and increase your success rate. However, that discussion is for another day. Here, we want to consider the best weather for catching this ferocious fish.
Pikes are greatly affected by water condition, especially those residing in still water.
The ideal time to catch pike using the dead bait method is when:
- The barometric pressure is low.
- The temperature is mild.
- There is little turbulence in the water.
- There is a fair amount of cloud cover.
High-pressure fronts that result in bright sunny days and considerable frost brings out the beast in pikes. During these conditions, these fish species feed like hungry lions and bite like a ferocious beast. However, their ginger or rage usually die down during dawn or dusk.
You can also target this fish during mild weather, especially those that bring down the clouds. Mind you; elongated cold spells are a turn off for pikes. They make the fish less interested in running after your bait, and such condition will also make fishing quite tricky for you.
If it frequently rains in your area, there is a huge chance that you will see more of this fish. This is because the disturbance raindrops cause on the water surface scrambles the sensory mechanism of this fish. In summary, if you want to be a successful piker, make it a habit of fishing during the right weather. It will give you the edge over your colleagues who fish whenever they feel like.
Learn more about the reels for pike which are being used by PRO anglers.
What Is The Best Pressure For Pike Fishing?
Pike fishing is indeed more than tossing a line affixed with a hook in the water hoping to reel in a world record pike. Fishing for pike involves proper planning and strategy. And one of those plans involves accessing the weather and pressure. Like the weather, pressure also affect pikes. This means that these fish can be super active and inactive during certain pressure. So what does this means for pikers? It means that knowing the best pressure for pike fishing can enhance your success out there.
When the pressure is stable (neither high nor low), pikes are usually very active, and live bait becomes very effective. However, when the pressure is high or starts increasing, they become less active. Fishes like pikes can detect pressure changes with the aid of their swim bladder.
Fishes experience atmospheric pressure differently from humans. In fact, pikes and other fishes feel the effect of changing pressure before it takes place. This is possible due to the abundance of sensory mechanism they have. And since air pressure is always dynamic, pikes are often searching for areas where the pressure isn’t at its highest or lowest point.
How does the information mentioned above help you as a piker? You see, when there is a change in pressure, pikes experience discomfort due to the expansion and contraction of their air bladder. In this condition, the fish will become inactive while it concentrates on stabilizing the pressure on its bladder. So, at this point, you may find it hard to capture this fish because they usually dive deep to stabilize their bladder.
P: S: When pike fishing, consider taking a barometer or a fishing activity meter and forecaster as a means of understanding the air pressure.
Learn more about the lures which work best for pikes.
What Is The Best Water Temperature For Pike Fishing?
Pikes react to several environmental factors, with the temperature being one of the most common. The air pressure, water temperature, climate, and other factors a novice angler may not consider, play a huge part in the behavioral pattern of this fish. Taking temperature, for instance. Water temperature affects pikes, like most living things, so if you want to taste huge success on your pike fishing adventure, fish for them when the water temperature is conducive for them.
The best water temperature for pike fishing is between 64.5F and 70F, which is 18C-21C. Pikes are very comfortable in this temperature range. In cold areas, pikes will seek for the warmest part of the water to remain comfortable.
Pikes are very considerate when it comes to water temperature. I guess it’s because their growth depends on the water temperature and they derive optimum comfort from staying in areas with a temperature that suits them. During the cold climate, this fish will migrate to warm areas. These areas range from bays that are dark, silty, muddy, and those that have vegetation.
As this fish grow, their temperature preference changes. This means that, if you are gunning for big pikes, you may have to fish in water with a temperature between 50-55 degree ranges. During temperatures other than 70 degrees, you will find big pikes hiding in-between shallow weeds with other little fishes. However, when the temperature increases to 75 degrees, these giant fish species will migrate to cold zones.
Since you can’t calculate the water temperature by merely gazing at it, it is essential that you include a thermometer to your tackle when going out to hunt this fish.
Larn more about bait, time, depth and many other things while fishing for pike.
Do Pike Bite In Cold Weather?
When pike fishing, you have to prepare for every season, be it summer, winter, cold, rainy, or what have you. You see, pikes are always affected by the weather. Their behavioral pattern and mood changes with the weather. One period they bite like hell, the next, they are dormant as a snail. So, if you want to catch this fish during a cold day, you need to ask yourself this very important question: “Do Pike Bite in Cold Weather?”
Pikes don’t bite in cold weather, at least not as often as they usually would. This is because like humans, cold weather make pikes lazy, a little. So there is a huge tendency that when you present your flashy lure, a pike will swim pass it like it doesn’t even exist.
The fact that this fish don’t bite during cold weather shouldn’t put you off from targeting them during the cold season. Of course, they don’t often bite as they should, but if you play your cards well and fish in the right location, you may end up being lucky. The technique to use during this period is quite simple: fish slowly. Also, fish your lure in a quick and erratic manner to incite bites.
Furthermore, when fishing during on a cold day, make sure you use a small lure. During cold weather, pikes metabolism drops, making them overlook big stuff. So a two to three-inch lure is appropriate during this period because pikes don’t usually eat much during cold weather. You can also use attractants to incite a bite if nothing you do seems to be working. And always be professional with your approach.
Professional pikers know the best time to fish, they know when pike bite and when they don’t. They know where and when to fish during cold weather. You see, the main difference between you and professional pikers is the information they are privileged to have. So, if you really want to be a successful piker, you need to do your research. Also, get out there and get the experience. Fish during the cold weather so you can know what it feels like.
Do Pike Bite In Cold Water?
During winter and fall, the temperature drops. Everywhere becomes cold, including various water bodies. And this can either make fishing a challenging task, or fun. For fishes like pike, a change in water temperature, air pressure, or climate always changes their feeding habit, behavioral pattern, etc. So before you consider fishing in that cold river, you need to be sure if you will encounter pikes that are ready to bite.
Pikes don’t bite in cold water, and this is because, during this condition, their metabolism adapts to the cold by slowing down. A reduce metabolism means that pikes don’t need to feed often to steady their energy level.
While pike fishing is quite thrilling, catching pikes during certain periods can be very challenging. For instance, catching pikes during a prolonged cold period is very difficult as it is likely that these fishes would have migrated to dipper regions in search of warm water. Also, when the water becomes cold, pikes become less active, and when they are less active, they don’t tend to bite, making things hard for pikers.
With that said, if you want to catch this fish in cold water, you need to come prepared. Also, your lure and other tackle must be suited for the task at hand. And you must also know the appropriate technique to use. While you may see this as stressful, you must note that big pikes are usually caught in cold water and during cold seasons. So, I hope that gingers you and give you something to look forward to.
Here is a quick hint: when fishing during cold periods, always use live baits due to their scarcity. Small fishes aren’t huge fans of cold water so you’ll see less of them during this condition, making it the perfect time to adopt live lures. Also, if you want to catch pikes during winter when the water is cold, consider fishing between 10 am and 4 pm. Have it in mind that the water will be super cold, so ensure you go along with the necessary protective clothing. Frostbite and hypothermia are real!
Do Pike Bite in Hot Weather?
Summer is the period when most people start complaining of heat due to the hot weather. During this period, pikers usually move to rivers and water bodies en masse in search of pikes. Some are lucky, and they catch these fishes while others end up catching nothing, thereby cursing their luck. Fishing during the hot weather is fun. However, one question you should ask before you follow suit or consider this adventure is, do pikes really bite in hot weather? Will they grab your bait even when the weather is hot?
Pikes bite well when the weather is hot due to an increase in their metabolism. They will bite any lure ferociously during this period and hunt to store enough food for the colder seasons. Also, during this period, baitfish are usually active, thus making this fish active as well.
Unlike the winter season, early summer is the ideal time of the year to fish. If you are pike enthusiasts like several others out there, early summer is the best opportunity to catch a real monster. But to achieve this, you will need to use the right rod, reel, bait, lure, and fishing technique. Also, you will need information regarding their hangout zone.
When it comes to periods of hot weather, especially when the water is warm, pike fishing becomes less difficult because these fishes come out to bite and feed. And because pikes are aggressive, they will likely attack any lure you use, provided it catches their attention. These species of fish love colors such as bright orange and chartreuse.
When pike fishing during summer, the best bait to use is the spoon. This lure’s erratic movement is often appealing to pikes, thus making them strike without even thinking. You can either cast a spoon or troll it; whichever method you use is ok. Mind you, the fact that this fish bite during hot weather doesn’t mean they’ll present themselves to you as a sacrifice, no! You will have to look for them! And the best locations to find them are usually around rocks and vegetation.
Do Pike Bite In The Rain?
While it’s raining heavily and you are at home either beside a cozy fireplace or sipping a coffee, some pike anglers are out there catching lots of pikes. Of course, fishing in the rain is quite thrilling, especially for those who love basking in the raindrops. But one thing to consider before you go ahead to join other pikers in the rain is if these fish species really bite during this period.
Pikes bite and are usually fairly active when it rains. During this period, pikes migrate to shallows where they feed on baitfish. But, you shouldn’t strike out deepwater bites also, especially during summer and fall.
Fishing for pike in the rain can be fun provided you know where the look, the tackle to use, and how to fish. When fishing in this condition, make use of bright colored or flashy lures as visibility will below. Remember, this fish feed by sight, so make it very easy for them to spot your lure. Pikes don’t always bite whenever it rains. These species of fish react differently to rain by season. This means that when rains during a day in summer, you may find lethargic pike and not the usual active biting beast.
For instance, if it rains during the spawning period of these fish species, don’t expect them to bite like they would on a normal day. Pikes don’t leave their eggs during this period, thus making it hard for them to move about and hunt. When it rains during fall, an annual turnover occurs, making the lake cooler at the bottom and warmer at the top. This is an ideal period to target pikes as they feed actively and bite like hungry wolves.
In addition, when it rains during summer, fishes are always happy as the rain cools the water. During this period, pikes bite like hungry lions. They are usually very active and aggressive. If you don’t want to wet yourself by fishing while it’s raining, you can fish before the rainstorm. However, ensure that you guard your body against the cold and adopt the right gear.
Do Pike Bite In Windy Conditions?
Most people enjoy activities in the wind. Some of us enjoy walking our pets during those mild, windy conditions. Some of us love strolling in windy conditions. Also, some of us love playing our favorite sport in windy conditions; the wind makes it quite exciting. Come to think of it; if you are a piker, I bet you have thought of pike fishing in windy conditions. However, do you think this fish will bite in this condition?
Pikes bite in windy conditions, but not as well as they do during summer. These fish species migrate to shallower water and hunt for food higher in the water Colum than under normal conditions.
Nothing beats fishing on a lake tranquil and undisturbed. Everything becomes easy for you in such condition. Visibility and navigation becomes easy. While such conditions are perfect for catching pikes, extremely calm conditions, don’t always yield lots of this fish. When things get windy, most anglers stay home while others seek shelter in a nearby shed or something of that sort. Unfortunately, they are also losing out of the opportunity to catch lots of pikes.
Lots of anglers enjoy fishing in the wind. Some enjoy it because it incites fishes to bite, while others enjoy the feel of the soft wind on their skin. Whichever way, you should consider pike fishing in windy condition; you never know, you may end up catching one of those huge pikes that put your name in the record books.
Fishing in windy conditions can be fun. But if you aren’t an expert angler, you may struggle due to the difficulties that come with this condition. A howling wind can make a lake muddy and make conditions difficult for you. Crazy breeze can come in all directions making casting as hard as passing an elephant through a needle. So if you are considering fishing in this condition, always go prepared because wind affects anglers more than it affects the fishes down there.
Do Pike Bite In Sunny Weather?
Most anglers cherish fishing in sunny weather. They love basking in the refreshing sun rays while casting their reel in search of pikes. Sunny weather is one of the best times to fish, the tranquil water, and the warmth makes fishing stress-free and pretty much enjoyable. In as much as you love the sunny weather, you must note that not all fishes bite during this period. So, before you embark on that pike fishing adventure of yours, you need to know if these fishes bite in sunny weather.
Pikes bite in sunny weather, but they do so during a certain time of the day. Pikes feed actively on days with cloudy weather and feed less on bright, and sunny weather. On days with sunny weather, these fish species feed vigorously at evening, and to some extent, in the morning twilight.
A bad day fishing can be due to several factors, and one of such factors (the most common) is poor planning. Some anglers see pike fishing as an easy task; easy breezy! To them, it involves hitting the water, presenting a good lure, and reeling in a big catch just like that. But to the professionals, they know that pike fishing involves. They know the weather plays a huge factor like the reel, lure, boat, and other tackle they use.
When pike fishing, especially in sunny weather, expect the fishes to act differently. During weather like this, pikes usually dwell in the shallow, especially at nights. So don’t expect to see much of these fish species during the day when the weather is hot, rather, get prepared for an encounter during low-light periods, early and late.
Here are some valuable tips to consider:
- When fishing in sunny weather, look for areas with murky water because the sun will be dim under the surface.
- Vegetation, rocks, and other coverings are good chill-out spot for pikes.
- Pikes aren’t usually far away from where their prey is. So, search areas with a high concentration of typical pike baitfish.
- Don’t overlook the upper layers of warm water. During sunny weather, pikes don’t fish at the bottom. So don’t spend much time rummaging the water bottom.
Conclusion:
Weather and its components play a huge part in pike fishing. The rain, air pressure, wind and water temperature affect pikes in a few ways. Some weather gingers this fish to bite more and feed like gluttons, while some weather and atmospheric conditions force them to become less active.
So, if you want to succeed as a piker, you must know how each weather and the atmospheric condition affect this fish. You must be able to predict, to some extent, the behavioral pattern of this fish during each weather. In addition, you must use the right tackle and tactics to adopt during each weather condition. If you can do all these, there is a huge chance that you’ll catch a considerable amount of this fish whenever you hit the water regardless of the weather condition.
Always have it in mind that summer and spring season remains the best time to catch this fish. They bite like hell and feed like a hungry pack of wolves during these periods. However, during winter and other cold seasons, they bite less and migrate to warmer water due to a drop in their metabolism. If you intend on targeting the big pikes, the best time to fish is during winter. Success on your adventure!