Western Adirondack Region Report:

Winter Pike Tactics
Varying methods through the season

By Mike Seymour

At this time of the year, anglers throng to ice-covered waters in pursuit of pike, and rightfully so as productive pike waters lie within a short drive for most anglers. Also, boat launches and public docks provide good public access. While other species might be difficult to catch through the ice, northerns remain catchable throughout the winter.

Since pike relate to structure, an angler who concentrates his efforts near structure dramatically increases his chances of success. For the most part, the first weeks of ice mean excellent action around near-shore structures. During mid-winter, many pike move into deeper water where conditions are the most stable. At this time of the year, anglers will have better success by concentrating on deep-water structures and structures at the outer edges of bays.

No matter what structure an angler is fishing, he should concentrate his efforts on the structural edges, but he should not overlook the top of the structure itself or the adjacent deep water. Instead of leaving tip-ups in the same holes throughout the day, fishermen will see improved catches if they “work” the area much like a boating angler does.

Since a northern pike’s eyes are positioned for feeding above, baits should be set off the bottom. A distance of three or so feet off bottom works well most days, but multiple tip-ups allow anglers to experiment with distance from bottom.

Live shiners (4-6 inches) are the number-one, ice-fishing bait; however, live suckers or dead smelt will sometimes outperform commercial shiners. As a general rule, smaller minnows produce the most action, but large minnows entice the bigger fish. By using heavier weights or by placing the weight close to the minnow, anglers can restrict a bait’s activity level. On the other hand, by using lighter weights or placing the weight farther from the bait, an angler allows the minnow to be more active. Anglers should try to match their minnow action to the mood of the pike that day.

When setting tip-ups, place a small bobber below the spool. This allows for a quick resetting of the bait without sounding again for bottom. The bobber also lets an angler see how much line a fish has taken out. When a flag goes up and the bobber is just a short distance from the spool, a yellow perch or other panfish is the likely culprit.

This is the famous “perch flag.” Now it’s time to get out the jig pole and enjoy another aspect of winter pike fishing, catching a feed of yellow perch.

Pike Event

The St. Lawrence River Walleye Association is hosting its 2008 Northern Pike Challenge on Saturday, March 1. The Association was formed in 2006 as an incorporated, non-profit organization for the purpose of organizing, promoting, and financing the growth of walleye fishing along the St. Lawrence River. Any proceeds from the 2008 Northern Pike Challenge will be used to support the group’s walleye stocking program.

For each hour of the Challenge, organizers will pay out $800 for the top three pike of that hour. Among the event’s numerous other prizes is a special early-bird drawing for a gas auger for those who register by February 15. The entry fee is $25, and individuals can register at Northern Harness Bait and Tackle in Massena, Ed’s Bait and Tackle in Waddington, Chapman’s Tackle Shop at Black Lake, Sandy’s Custom Tackle in Red Mills, or the Massena R&G Club. Interested persons can also go to the organization’s web-site at www.stlawrencewalleyeassociation.com.

The Challenge will also include a youth division for anglers up to the age of 15. The registration fee is $5, and 100 percent of the monies will be paid to the young anglers who catch the largest yellow perch. Additionally, each registered youth will receive a free jigging rod.

A member of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association, the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers, and the Outdoor Writers Association of America, Mike Seymour operates a guide service on the St. Lawrence River and other waters in northern New York. He can be reached at fishmike@slic.com.