Spring
Where: Shallow, dark-bottomed bays that warm first.
Try: Slow suspending jerkbaits and spoons.
Back to store overviewPike
02 / 06 · Species guide
Pike
The hard hitter.
Aggressive, toothy and everywhere there's weed. Pike reward big baits and steady nerves.
Open seasonMid-May to mid-MarchMost central zones open alongside walleye in May and stay open through ice season. Check local regulations.
Peak biteMid-morning to afternoon, cool fronts
Typical depth3–25 ft
Where to find them
Seasonal playbook.
Summer
Where: Deep weed edges and cabbage beds; big fish slide deeper.
Try: Spinnerbaits and swimbaits along the weedline.
Fall
Where: Points and dying weed near baitfish schools.
Try: Big baits, slower retrieves, long pauses.
Tips & tricks
From the counter.
- Always use a wire or heavy fluoro leader.
- Bring jaw spreaders and long-nose pliers.
- Flash and vibration call pike from a distance.
- Pause your jerkbait — most strikes come on the stop.
Popular gear
What's in the box.
- Daredevle-style spoons
- Spinnerbaits
- Suspending jerkbaits
- Wire leaders
- Jaw spreaders
Rod, reel & line
Recommended setups.
Casting
- Rod
- 7'2" Medium-Heavy, fast
- Reel
- 7.1:1 baitcaster
- Line
- 50 lb braid + wire leader
- Best for
- Spinnerbaits, spoons, jerkbaits
All-round
- Rod
- 7'0" Medium, fast
- Reel
- 3000 spinning
- Line
- 30 lb braid + 40 lb fluoro
- Best for
- Spoons and in-line spinners
Shop for pike
Gear for this fish.
Other species
Season dates are general guidance for this demo — always check current Ontario fishing regulations for your zone.