Pike Fishing on Windy Days (Complete Guide)

Heavy winds can make pike fishing much more difficult. Knowing how to adjust your fishing techniques in the face of strong winds can help you catch more pike.

In windy conditions, pike tend to move to water areas with less turbulence, such as along shorelines and shallow bays. Lures that imitate wounded prey, such as jerkbaits and crankbaits, can effectively catch pike.

In this article, I will explain the importance of bait selection and location in pike fishing, regardless of whether the wind is calm or storm-grade.

Locating Pike on Windy Days

When finding pike on a lake or river on windy days, you’ll want to look for areas where the wind is blowing towards. The wind pushes the baitfish and other food sources toward the shoreline.

Pike will often follow these baitfish and hide in areas where they can ambush them. Look for areas like weed beds, drop-offs, and other structures where the pike can hide and wait for prey.

If the wind is blowing from multiple directions, look for areas where the wind is calmer, such as behind islands or in bays.

Check out this link here to view my complete pike fishing gear recommendation list, including rods, reels, baits, gear, etc. I have field tested a lot of pike gear and these are my recommendations.

Pike Fishing in Windy Conditions

Windy conditions can be very challenging for pike fish. When the winds are strong, they can create choppy water conditions, making it harder for you to feel any bites on your line. The waves can also push your bait around, making it less attractive to the pike.

Secondly, casting can be tough when windy, especially if you’re using a lighter lure. The wind can catch the line and cause it to tangle, ruining your chances of making a good cast.

The key to catching more pike in windy conditions is to adapt to the conditions. This means using heavier lures that can cut through the waves and reach the depths where the pike are lurking. It also means adjusting your casting technique to compensate for the wind. Try casting at a lower angle and using a sidearm motion to reduce the effect of the wind on your line.

Lastly, don’t forget to pay attention to the direction of the wind. Pike love to hang out in areas where there is cover from the wind, so look for sheltered spots where the wind is blocked.

This could be behind rocks, near weeds, or in coves. By adapting to the conditions and fishing smart, you can increase your chances of catching more pike, even in the windiest conditions.

Impact of Wind Direction on Pike Fishing

Regarding wind direction, pike tend to follow the flow of the water. For example, the water will flow towards the north if the wind blows from the south. Pike will often follow this flow and can be found on the northern side of the lake.

In windy conditions, it’s important to adjust your fishing techniques to the direction of the wind. If the wind is blowing towards you, it’s best to cast against the wind so that your bait will drift naturally towards where the pike are hiding.

If the wind is blowing from the east, try to focus your efforts on the lake’s western side, as the water will be pushed in that direction. Similarly, if the wind is blowing from the west, focus on the eastern side of the lake.

Generally, it’s best to fish in areas where the wind is blocked or slowed down, such as behind rocks or coves. These areas are often more sheltered and can be hotspots for pike.

Regarding baits, larger baits like spoons or swimbaits work well in windy conditions, as they can create more vibration and movement in the water. Using bright or flashy baits can also help catch pike’s attention in choppy or murky waters.

Species Breakdown: Windy Conditions

Northern Pike

When windy, pike tend to move to deeper water to avoid the choppy surface conditions. Try reaching them with heavier baits like large spoons, spinnerbaits, or jigs with plastic trailers. Slow and steady presentations work best in windy conditions, as fast or erratic movements can turn off the pike.

It’s also important to cast with the wind at your back to increase accuracy and distance. Look for sheltered spots, like behind rocks or in coves, where the wind is blocked and the pike are more likely to be hiding.

Muskies

When windy, muskies tend to move to areas with more cover, such as weed beds or underwater structures, to avoid the choppy surface conditions. This means that you’ll need to focus your efforts on these areas.

Try using large, flashy baits like bucktail spinners or topwater lures that can mimic natural prey movements. Another technique that works well in windy conditions is trolling.

Use a heavy bait and troll along the edge of weed beds or other structures where the musky might be hiding. The steady movement of the bait will attract the musky, and the wind will help to cover more water, increasing your chances of a strike.

When casting, it’s important to pay attention to the direction of the wind. Try to cast with the wind at your back, as this will help your bait to travel further and more accurately. Additionally, look for areas where the wind is blocked, such as behind a point or rock, as these spots can be hotspots for musky.

In summary, to catch more musky in windy conditions, focus on areas with more cover, use large flashy baits, or try trolling with a heavy bait, and pay attention to the direction of the wind.

Chain Pickerel

When it’s windy, chain pickerel tend to move to areas with more cover, such as weed beds or submerged logs, to avoid the choppy surface conditions. This means that you’ll need to focus your efforts on these areas.

Try using small to medium-sized baits like spinnerbaits or small jerkbaits that can mimic natural prey movements. Another technique that works well in windy conditions is a slow and steady retrieve.

Pickerel can be finicky in the wind, so slow and steady movements can entice them to strike. Additionally, bright or flashy baits can help catch their attention in murky or choppy waters.

When casting, it’s important to pay attention to the direction of the wind. Try to cast against the wind so your bait will naturally drift towards the cover where pickerel are hiding.

Additionally, look for sheltered spots where the wind is blocked, like behind rocks or along shorelines, as these can be prime spots for pickerel.

In summary, to catch more chain pickerel in windy conditions, focus your efforts on areas with more cover, use small to medium-sized baits with slow and steady retrieves, and pay attention to the direction of the wind.

Cold Wind vs. Warm Wind

In cold weather, wind can make pike more lethargic and less likely to strike. When it’s cold, use smaller baits, such as jigs or live bait, that move more slowly. Additionally, focus on deeper waters where the water temperature is more stable.

In warm weather, wind can create a more turbulent surface and cause pike to become more active. Larger and faster-moving baits like spinnerbaits or crankbaits can be more effective when warm. Additionally, focus on shallow areas with more cover, such as weed beds or rocky shorelines.

No matter the weather, it’s important to pay attention to the direction of the wind. In cold weather, try to fish in areas where the wind is blocked, such as behind rocks or coves, as these areas can be warmer and more sheltered. In warm weather, cast against the wind so your bait will naturally drift towards where the pike are hiding.

Regarding presentation, vary your techniques to see what works best. In cold weather, slow and steady movements can be effective, while in warm weather, more aggressive and erratic movements can be better.

In summary, when fishing for pike in cold weather, use smaller baits and focus on deeper waters, while in warm weather, use larger and faster-moving baits and focus on shallow areas with more cover.

How Windy Are We Talking About?

1-5 mph

In general, light winds like these won’t significantly impact pike behavior, so you can still use your favorite techniques and baits. However, paying attention to the water conditions and adjusting your approach as needed is important.

One technique that can be effective in light winds is using a slow, steady retrieve. This can help mimic the natural movement of prey and entice pike to strike. Another effective technique is using a jerkbait or crankbait with a stop-and-go retrieve, creating a more erratic motion that can trigger strikes.

Regarding baits, there are a few different options to consider. For example, a 4-6 inch soft plastic worm or lizard in a natural color like green pumpkin or brown can effectively mimic prey. A 3-5 inch minnow-style jerkbait or crankbait in a silver or gold color can also be effective.

Another option to consider is a spinnerbait in a chartreuse or white color. This can create a flashy, attention-grabbing presentation that can entice pike to strike. Finally, don’t forget about live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers, which can be effective in various conditions.

In summary, when fishing for pike in 1-5 mph winds, consider using a slow, steady retrieve or a stop-and-go retrieve with a jerkbait or crankbait. Baits like soft plastic worms, minnow-style baits, spinnerbaits, and live bait can all be effective.

6-10 mph

When the winds pick up in this range, it can create choppy water, making it harder for pike to locate and strike prey. This means you’ll need to use techniques and baits to create a more noticeable presentation and stand out from the choppy water.

One technique to consider is using a faster, more aggressive retrieve. This can help create a more noticeable presentation that can attract pike to strike. Another technique to consider is using a topwater bait like a popper or buzzbait, which can create a commotion on the surface that can attract pike to strike.

As for baits, you’ll want to use options that can create a more noticeable presentation. For example, a 5-7 inch swimbait in a bright color like chartreuse or white can be effective in choppy water. A topwater bait in a natural color, like frog or mouse can also be effective.

Another option to consider is a blade bait in a silver or gold color, which can create a flashy, attention-grabbing presentation. Finally, don’t forget about live bait like shiners or chubs, which can be effective in various conditions.

In summary, when fishing for pike in 6-10 mph winds, consider using a faster, more aggressive retrieve or a topwater bait. Baits like swimbaits, topwater baits, blade baits, and live bait can all be effective.

11-15 mph

In this range of wind speeds, the water can get pretty choppy, but not so much that it becomes difficult to fish. Pike will still be feeding, but they may be more selective in what they go after. So, you’ll want to use techniques and baits to stand out and get their attention.

One technique to consider is using a spinnerbait with a Colorado blade, which can create a wider vibration and be more noticeable to pike. Another option is using a slow-rolling retrieve with a swimbait, which can imitate the movements of a wounded fish and attract pike to strike.

For baits, you’ll want to use options that can create a more noticeable presentation. For example, a 4-5 inch swimbait in a natural color like silver or gold can be effective in choppy water. A spinnerbait with a chartreuse or white skirt can also be effective.

You may also want to consider using a topwater lure like a buzzbait or popper, which can create a commotion on the water’s surface and attract pike to strike. And don’t forget about live bait like shiners or chubs, which can be effective in various conditions.

Remember, when fishing in 11-15 mph winds, use a spinnerbait with a Colorado blade or a slow-rolling retrieve with a swimbait. Baits like swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures can all be effective.

16-25 mph

In this range of wind speeds, the water can get rough and choppy, making it difficult for pike to locate prey. This means you’ll need to use techniques and baits to create a more noticeable presentation and stand out in the rough water.

One technique to consider is using a jerkbait, which can imitate the erratic movements of a wounded fish and attract pike to strike. Another technique to consider is using a crankbait with a wider wobble, which can create a more noticeable vibration and attract pike to strike.

As for baits, you’ll want to use options that can create a more noticeable presentation. For example, a 5-7 inch swimbait in a bright color like chartreuse or white can be effective in choppy water. A jerkbait in a natural color like silver or gold can also be effective.

Another option is a spinnerbait with a Colorado blade, which can create a wider vibration and be more noticeable in choppy water. Finally, don’t forget about live bait like shiners or chubs, which can be effective in various conditions.

Remember to consider the water conditions and adjust your approach as needed. When fishing in 16-20 mph winds, consider using a jerkbait or crankbait with a wider wobble. Baits like swimbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and live bait can all be effective.

Over 26 mph

When the wind is this strong, it can create large waves and make it difficult to fish. Pike may also become more inactive and less likely to bite. So, choosing baits and techniques that can create a more noticeable presentation is important.

One technique to try is fishing with a jerkbait, which can create an erratic action and imitate the movements of an injured fish. Another option is a jig with a soft plastic trailer, which can create a more subtle presentation and entice bites from inactive pike.

For baits, you’ll want to use options that can create a more noticeable presentation. A jerkbait in a natural color like silver or gold can be effective in rough water conditions. A jig with a chartreuse or white soft plastic trailer can also be effective.

You may also want to consider using a heavier lure or weight to help keep your bait in the strike zone. And don’t forget about live bait like shiners or chubs, which can still be effective in strong winds.

Remember, when fishing in 26+ mph winds, try fishing with a jerkbait or a jig with a soft plastic trailer. Baits like jerkbaits, jigs, and live bait can all be effective.

Pike Fishing Gear for Windy Fishing

When it comes to fishing line, braided line is a great choice as it has less stretch and can help you feel bites better in rough water.

As for rods, you’ll want to use a rod that’s strong enough to handle the size and power of a pike, but also sensitive enough to detect bites. A medium to medium-heavy power rod with a fast action is a good choice.

When it comes to baits, a few different types work well in windy conditions. Spinnerbaits are a popular option as they can create a lot of flash and vibration in rough water. Jerkbaits and crankbaits are also effective as they can create an erratic and unpredictable action that can entice bites from pike.

Another option is using soft plastic baits with a jighead. These baits can be fished slower and more subtle, making them effective for inactive pike.

Overall, the best fishing gear for pike fishing in windy conditions includes braided line, a medium to medium-heavy power rod with a fast action, and baits like spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastic baits with a jighead.

Best Lures & Techniques for Windy Conditions

One popular option is spinnerbaits, which can be fished at various depths and speeds. For example, a 3/8-ounce spinnerbait in white or chartreuse can be effective in murky water. Another good choice is a crankbait, such as a Rapala Shad Rap in a size 7 or 8, which can mimic the movement of baitfish.

A suspending jerkbait, like a Lucky Craft Pointer 100, can also work well in windy conditions. To fish these lures effectively, it’s important to adjust your technique based on the wind conditions. In a light wind, you may be able to use a slower retrieve and let the lure drift with the wind.

In stronger winds, however, a faster retrieve may be necessary to keep the lure in the strike zone. It’s also important to vary your presentation by changing your retrieve’s depth, speed, and direction.

When adapting your approach based on wind conditions, it’s important to consider the wind direction and its impact on the water. For example, if the wind blows into a shoreline, the water on that side of the lake may be choppy, while the water on the opposite side may be calmer. In this case, you may want to focus your fishing efforts on the calmer side.

Safety Considerations When Fishing in Windy Conditions

When fishing in windy conditions, safety is really important. You should always wear a life jacket or PFD and be aware of your surroundings. Ensure you know how to operate your boat and watch the weather forecast closely.

Letting someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return is also a good idea. If the winds are strong, staying off the water is best until conditions improve. Finally, be mindful of waves and keep a low center of gravity in the boat to avoid tipping over.

For a complete breakdown of fishing for catfish in windy conditions, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of fishing for bass in windy conditions, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of fishing for crappie in windy conditions, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of fishing for trout in windy conditions, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of carp fishing in windy conditions, check out this guide. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for pike fishing.