River pike fishing can be tricky. To help you succeed, here are some effective strategies. These tips are useful for both experienced anglers and beginners. Keep these in mind during your next river trip to increase your chances of catching pike.
Know your river
Understanding the river you are fishing is beneficial for a successful pike fishing campaign. Rivers are dynamic ecosystems, and understanding their rhythms and patterns will elevate your angling. Scout the river before the season starts when water levels are low and visibility is high. This is your opportunity to assess the river's topography and identify key features that will influence where to concentrate your efforts.
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Weed Beds: These are prime ambush spots for pike.
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Underwater Structures: Look for submerged trees, rocks, and other objects that attract fish.
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Deep Pools: Target these as they often hold larger fish.
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Snags: Knowing the location of snags mean they can be avoided
Pay close attention to the geographical features surrounding the river. If the banks are steep, expect rapid flooding after rainfall. On the other hand, rivers in lower-lying areas may stay flooded for extended periods. These critical factors will directly impact your fishing decisions, so be proactive in your approach and adapt your tactics accordingly.
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Stay mobile
Whilst understanding your stretch of river is important, staying mobile is something that is essential. Cover more miles in one outing by keeping your gear minimal. This increases your chances of finding fish that are actively feeding.
USING THE BEST FISHING RUCKSACK IS CRUCIAL FOR THE ROVING ANGLER
Gear up
When fishing in strong flowing rivers, you're dealing with powerful pike. These fish are accustomed to battling the current, so you need to upgrade your gear to successfully land them. Use at least 20lb mono or braid. For your trace, stick with a minimum of 28lb wire. River pike are less wary of tackle compared to those in still waters, so don't take chances with a weak line.
THE BEST PIKE FISHING ROD IS ESSENTIAL FOR HARD FIGHTING RIVER PIKE
Dawn and dusk
Low, clear rivers are not ideal hunting grounds for pike, as their confidence and cover are blown. This means that especially on days when the sun is bright, either early or late starts are your best opportunities. The amount of decent-size pike that have been caught over the years, fishing at either dawn or dusk isn’t a coincidence.
USING THE BEST PIKE FISHING REEL WILL HELP YOU TAME THESE HARD FIGHTING PREDATORS
Pre-bait for success
Pre-baiting? It might sound like an extra chore, but let me tell you, it's a game changer. Take it from someone who's spent countless hours on the banks. Pike can be very nomadic in search of their next meal.
Catching them is all about strategy. Get them accustomed to feasting in a particular area, and you could either keep them hanging around, or set yourself up to catch them while they're on the hunt for their next meal. Trust me, no self-respecting river pike, especially the big females, can resist a free meal.
USING A DEADBAIT FOR FLOAT FISHING IS AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO CATCH RIVER PIKE, CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DEADBAIT FOR PIKE
Twitch the rig
On the river, presenting a deadbait beneath a float is by far the most effective way to catch these powerful predators, the float will give you the earliest indications if there is interest in your bait.
To induce a bite, a proven strategy is to twitch the rigs toward the bank with a few swift turns of the reel. This can serve as a trigger, imparting some movement to the bait, imitating and injured or dying fish, this can often trigger an indecisive fish to commit, as it believes its meal is on the move.
CHECK OUT THIS EXPERT GUIDE TO TIE THE BEST FLOAT FISHED DEADBAIT RIG FOR PIKE
River on the rise
When you find yourself on the riverbank with your rod in hand, and the water levels start to rise, seize the moment, this is your prime time for pike fishing. The rising waters send prey fish into a frenzy, making them vulnerable to the pike's predatory instincts.
However, once the river floods, don’t waste your time; pike fishing will come to a halt. The murky conditions make it nearly impossible to catch anything. Be patient and wait for the flow to recede and the water clarity to return. That’s when the pike will be back on the bite.
Remember, if the flood continues for an extended period, those pike will be starving when the waters finally clear. So, keep your gear at the ready, when the time is right, you’ll experience an incredible fishing session. Don’t miss out!
HANDLING PIKE IS A SKILL, LEARN HOW TO HANDLE PIKE SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELYWITH OUR EXPERT GUIDE
