Spring NORTHERN

pike fishing 

Late May – Mid June

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’ll give you all of our expert knowledge in detail upon your arrival. But for now, here’s a snapshot:

  • Ice-out typically occurs the 2nd week of May
  • Fishing season begins the 3rd Saturday in May
  • Some of the highest numbers of trophy fish are caught in the first three weeks of the fishing season
  • Most pike are caught in less than 3 feet of water, feeding on spawning suckers in creek inlets and in the river
  • In the spring, Pike feed on smelt near the surface, so they will strike white and silver lures
  • This is a great time for fly fishermen!



AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Late May High 67° F Low 44° F Early June High 70° F Low 48° F



LURES

Due to the shallow fishing this time of year, bring lures that will not hang-up on the bottom. Make sure to bring some top-water lures with white or silver bottoms to imitate the smelt. Our favorite lure color is white, but fire tiger, fluorescent orange, chartreuse, blue, silver and gold all work well.

  • Bunny leech flies
  • Rabbit strip flies
  • Mepps in-line spinner baits
  • Johnson Silver Minnow weedless spoons
  • Floating stick baits (like Rapala #18)
  • Square Bill Crankbaits
  • Texas-rigged soft plastics (3" to 5" flukes or grubs)
  • Wire Leaders (6” to 12” length. 20# to 30# test)
If you forget something, we’ve got you covered with our on-site tackle shop!