Spring kayak fishing for Lake Huron pike

As featured on WFN;

Spring came about a month early in Southern Ontario, and so did the ice out Northern Pike fishing. Most regions of Ontario have closed seasons for pike after March 31st, but Lake Huron is one of the exceptions. I was out on Lake Ontario March 9th trying for some early spawners, but it was just a bit too early then. Mid April to early May tends to be the window in normal years.

Most of our early season Great Lakes fishing is concentrated on bays, harbours and river mouths. That is what makes the use of a kayak such an invaluable tool for chasing down these big toothy critters. The kayak allows us to access the skinniest of waters, going totally undetected by the fish. Not to mention, it is a total blast to hook up with any fish over 10lbs from a plastic boat!! When the weather/wind cooperates, we can cruise many miles shoreline while stopping to fish all the bays and river outlets along the way. Kayak fishing for pike anywhere between lower Lake Huron and north towards Tobermory can be very productive when timed right, and you may even find yourself battling 50"+ fish! However, the majority of what we catch is in the 36-42" range and still very respectable.

Northern Pike, a member of the Esox family and often referred to as the "water wolf", tends to be very hungry and ferocious when coming off the post spawn activities. There's no mistaking what's on the other end when one does hit, even though the water temps are hovering in the high 40's-mid 50F range. The pike are feeding on perch, bass, suckers and even carp. So any lure resembling a baitfish or fish is fair game. We tend to throw a lot of large spoons, big crankbaits and swimbaits. Presentations need to be a little slower due to the cold water and even a stop and go retrieve may be necessary to entice these pike. Large Husky Jerk cranks work well using that method. 
Below: Brent Mattock and Mike Blumhagen with 36" & 38" Northerns

The great part about early season yak-pike is that you get a chance to fish when most inland waters seasons are closed. Aside from the great pike action, you may also experience incidental catches of bass, brown trout, steelhead, salmon or walleye while paddling down the coastal waters. Please be kind to the out of season fish and know the regulations before arriving.

Early season cold water kayak fishing is not for everyone and can be very dangerous, so take an expert and know the conditions before you go!

Nomad Adventures offers excellent guided kayak fishing trips and is a great way to find out if kayak fishing is your thing while allowing you the opportunity to land a trophy fish with their experienced and knowledgeable guides.

This type of outdoor activity is a great way to escape the house and get some cardio too!