PIKE FEATURE – By Doyle Dietz – Sports Writer
For many more springs than I can remember, I’ve been renewing relationships with my buddies at Caiger’s
Riverside Resort. No, I’m not talking about Mark and Tom, I’m talking about those toothy critters who can be
found within minutes of the dock and every May enjoy nothing better than reminding anglers what they’ve
been missing. Yes, we’re talking Northern pike, which kicks off the fishing season each year at Caiger’s, and
thanks to the majority of anglers who practice catch and release, are being found in increasing numbers.
Having been fortunate enough to take my Pennsylvania spring gobbler the opening week of the season last
year, a friend and I had time to make a third pike safari to Caiger’s last May. One of those “trips” was nothing
more than an afternoon and the following morning, and even in windy conditions the shelter of Thompson’s
Bay allowed us to boat and release 27 pike.
As an outdoors writer, I appreciate pike as a source of story material because, depending on the time of the
year, their locations are usually predictable. This means just one thing when May pike hunting at Caiger’s –
find spawning areas that are close to a source of bait fish.
Usually, the shallow water, weedy water found in bays, canals and coves are sure to hold pike. In other
words, the exact conditions that can be found – even by accident – when fishing out of Caiger’s. Sure, I’ll be
making my usual summer run to Caiger’s for some smallmouth bass action. I’m just thankful some
“buddies” will be waiting for me this May to make sure there’s no need to wait until July for some hot fishing
action.
Opening-day pike will be near their spawning areas or near the forage. In many cases these areas will be
one and the same. A shallow weedy cove, bay or canal will draw spawning fish. The warmest water will hold
the pike. Backwaters, bayous and stump fields are all prime holding area for pike. If the water temperature
hits the high 50s then the fish may head to the first drop-off.
New weed growth and pike are symbolic. Any time that new cabbage weeds are present, a hot pike location
may be only a cast away. Pike love to lie at the base of the weeds waiting for any unsuspecting bait fish.
Shortly after spawning the fish go searching for food. If perch are present in your lake then you hit the
mother lode. Perch spawn shortly after the pike and use the same areas. Locate depths between 5 feet and
12 feet and begin your search.
After years of chasing pike and fishing many early spring tournaments, three techniques stand out from the
rest: fish slow, slower and very slow!!!
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