Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Pike Fishing in Spring & Early Summer

Pike Fishing in Spring and Early Summer can be great sport. As water temperatures rise and fish recover from spawning, pike become increasingly active and aggressive. But while opportunities abound, many anglers make avoidable mistakes that cost them fish. Here are the top five mistakes to avoid when pike fishing in spring—and how to fix them.

1. Fishing Too Fast Too Soon – Pike Fishing in Spring & Early Summer

After the cold winter and the rigours of spawning, pike aren’t always ready to chase down fast-moving lures. One of the most common mistakes in early spring is retrieving too quickly. While pike are more active than in winter, they’re not always at full energy levels just yet.

Fix it: Slow down your retrieve and opt for lures with a steady, enticing action. Soft plastics, suspending jerkbaits, or deadbaits fished slowly can tempt lethargic pike into striking. Try a twitch-and-pause method to allow the lure to sit in the strike zone longer—this can trigger strikes from hesitant fish. Early morning and late afternoon are prime windows when pike might be more responsive, so time your sessions accordingly. I’ve had success using a 4-6-inch soft plastic shad retrieved ultra-slowly along the edge of a weed line, where a solid mid-double hit after a long pause.

2. Ignoring Shallow Margins

Many anglers make a beeline for deeper water in spring, assuming that’s where the bigger fish are. But as the sun warms the shallows, prey fish and, in turn, hungry pike move into the margins to feed and recover. Pike often use the warmer, sheltered margins to ambush prey.

Fix it: Don’t overlook the shallows, especially on calm, sunny days. Cast parallel to reed lines, submerged weed beds, or near drop-offs. Polarised sunglasses can help you spot cruising fish. Keep noise to a minimum—approach quietly and avoid heavy footfalls on the bank. Using surface lures or shallow-running cranks can be especially effective in these areas. I’ve had success targeting bays no more than three feet deep with a floating jerk or swimbait, especially in the late morning sun when the water temperature has had time to rise.

3. Using the Wrong Gear for the Job

Spring pike can be found in snaggy, weedy areas where lighter gear might struggle. Underpowered rods and low-poundage line can result in lost fish and unnecessary stress to the pike. Losing gear in the water also poses a threat to wildlife and other anglers.

Fix it: Use a medium to heavy action rod paired with strong braid (30–50lb test) and reliable wire traces. This ensures clean hook-ups and quick, safe landings. A quality landing net with rubber mesh is essential to avoid damage to the pike’s protective slime coat. Make sure your rig is up to the job of handling both large fish and difficult potential obstacles.

4. Not Adjusting for Weather Changes

Spring weather can be unpredictable—sunny one minute, cold and windy the next. Pike behaviour can change drastically with shifting conditions, and sticking to one tactic all day rarely pays off. Bright sunlight can push fish into cover or deeper water, while cloud cover might draw them back into the open.

Fix it: Be adaptable. If a sudden cold front moves in, consider fishing deeper or slowing down your presentation. Warmer, stable weather? Hit the shallows with more aggressive lures. Keep an eye on the barometer—dropping pressure often triggers feeding. Pack a variety of lures in different colours and depths to respond to changing conditions. I’ve had success switching to smaller, brightly coloured crankbaits when the action slows and it can work nicely.

5. Overlooking Pike Handling and Welfare

Spring is a sensitive time for pike. As they recover from spawning, handling them incorrectly can cause long-term damage. Unfortunately, many anglers still make basic handling mistakes, from holding fish vertically to keeping them out of water too long.

Fix it: Always use an unhooking mat, long forceps, and support the fish properly when photographing or returning it. Minimise air exposure—aim to keep the pike out of the water for no longer than 60 seconds and allow it recovery time in the net before release. You want to see a strong swimming fish before you let it go. Never lift pike vertically by the gill covers; instead, support their body with both hands. Consider barbless hooks or crimping your barbs for easier unhooking and reduced stress on the fish.

Also, be mindful of water temperatures—in my opinion once water temps creep above 18°C, it’s often too warm to safely fish for pike, even on lures. A study by the Pike Anglers Association (PAC) can be found here to help you decide when it’s not safe to fish for pike. At these temperatures, oxygen levels drop and pike struggle to recover from the stress of being caught. If the water feels warm to the touch, consider targeting another species until conditions improve. Responsible angling ensures pike remain healthy and thrive for seasons to come. I’ve had success focusing on mid-late mornings during late spring, when the water is coolest and oxygen has had a chance to replenish.

Pike Fishing in Spring Early Summer – Final Thoughts

Spring and early Summer pike fishing can be hugely rewarding, but it pays to approach the season with care and flexibility. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll not only catch more fish—you’ll also help protect this incredible species for future generations.