
In order to be able to safely land your ice pike, you either need a strong fluorocarbon leader of about 50-60lb or a titanium wire leader of about 25-30lb. Twelve feet is relatively deep in a body of water where weedgrowth ends at 6 feet and maximum depth is 25 feet.ĭo you need a leader for ice fishing pike? What depth do pike like in winter?Īgreed, however, that in most prime lakes, most bigger pike come from 15 to 35 feet of water during midwinter. Most tip-ups are placed 10 feet off the cover, but one is placed in a 3- to 4-foot clearing or pocket and another is set well off the sharpest break over deeper water.

The tip-ups placed there produce best, with baits suspended 5 to 6 feet down in 8- to 12-foot depths being the most typical array. While it’s true that pike eat prey items over to half their body weight, they key in on more plentiful food sources that take less exertion to capture. What is the best bait for ice fishing pike? Diehard ice anglers say while any weed type is good, the best variety is cabbage in 5-15 feet of water. Specifically, you are trying to take advantage of a large weed flat that will readily hold baitfish. Large bays are some of the best spots to target winter northern pike. Start by fishing outside weed edges and offshore humps and bars. As winter progresses Northern Pike follow the food and move further out. Combined with inside turns or other structure is even better.

24 How many rods can you fish with in Michigan? Where can I find pike while ice fishing?ĭuring early ice Northern Pike can be found in fairly shallow water accompanied by weed edges, points and bars.
