Best Water Temperatures for Pike Fishing (Complete Guide)
Water temperature is one of the most crucial things to consider when setting off to fish for pike, and it can decide how you should approach your angling to net the most fish.
Pike fishing is generally good and offers the best conditions when water temperatures range between 50 to 65°F, as these temperatures prompt pike to become more active, feed readily, and make them more responsive to baits.
| Water Temperature (°F) | Quality of Pike Fishing |
| Below 40° | Less active, slow movement, harder to catch. |
| 41-50° | Becoming more active, moving to shallower areas. |
| 51-60° | Active, moving to shallower areas, feeding well. |
| 61-68° | Very active, feeding aggressively. |
| 69-73° | Active and feeding, often near shallows. |
| Above 74° | Becoming less active, seeking cooler areas. |
While even seasoned fishermen might tell you that pike will bite at any temperature (which isn’t entirely wrong), there are certain things to consider in how differences in temperature and sudden shifts can change pike feeding habits.
This article will cover the ideal temperatures for pike fishing with a particular emphasis on typical pike behaviors at given temperature ranges, what baits and lures to use for different conditions, and how pike react to storms and sudden changes in water temperature.
Pike Fishing by Water Temperature
Below 40°
In water temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, pike fishing can be different. During this time, pike are less active and tend to move more slowly. They are not as eager to feed, but they still need to eat to survive.
Pike tend to move to deeper and slower-moving parts of the water, seeking warmer areas where they can conserve energy. They might be found near underwater structures like rocks, logs, or drop-offs. They focus on slower-moving prey like smaller fish and sometimes even other pike.
To catch pike in these colder conditions, using live bait can be effective, such as minnows or shiners. You can also try using lures that mimic injured or slow-moving fish, like spoons or jigs. Retrieving your bait or lure slowly can attract the pike’s attention, as they won’t chase after fast-moving prey. Patience and persistence are key, as pike might not bite as frequently as in warmer temperatures.
41-50°
In water temperatures between 41 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, pike fishing can still be a bit challenging. During this time, pike are somewhat active but not as much as in warmer months. They move more slowly and might not feed as often.
Pike tend to move to slightly shallower areas compared to colder temperatures. Look for them near the edges of weed beds, around structures like submerged trees, and in areas with slower currents.
Their diet in these conditions usually focuses on small fish and sometimes larger insects. While they do feed, it’s not as aggressive as during warmer months.
To catch pike in these temperatures, you can use lures that resemble small fish or use live bait like minnows or shiners. Slowly retrieving your bait or lure can attract pike, as they might not be as willing to chase fast-moving prey.
51-60°
In water temperatures between 51 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, pike fishing becomes more promising. During this time, pike become more active and start moving more to search for food.
Pike tend to move into shallower areas and might be found near the edges of weed beds, rocky structures, or around submerged logs.
They focus on a variety of food items, including smaller fish, crayfish, and even frogs. Pike are more likely to feed actively in these temperatures, making it a good time for fishing.
To catch pike in these conditions, using lures that mimic small fish or other prey can work well. Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and swimbaits are good choices. You can also use live bait like minnows or frogs. Retrieving your bait or lure with occasional pauses can entice pike to strike.
61-68°
In water temperatures between 61 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, pike fishing can be quite exciting. During this time, pike become even more active and start moving around a lot to find food.
Pike tend to move to shallower areas, often near the shorelines or in areas with lots of vegetation and structures like fallen trees.
They focus on a variety of food, like smaller fish, frogs, and even small mammals or birds that might be near the water.
Pike will feed actively in these temperatures, making it a good opportunity for anglers. You can use lures that resemble fish or other prey, like crankbaits, topwater lures, and soft plastics. Casting near the edges of weed beds or structures and using a steady retrieval with occasional pauses can attract pike. Trying different colors and sizes of lures can help figure out what the pike are interested in that day.
69-73°
In water temperatures between 69 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit, pike fishing remains active and enjoyable. During this time, pike become even more energetic and are actively searching for food.
Pike tend to move to shallow and warmer areas, such as weedy shallows, points, and rocky structures.
They focus on a variety of food, including smaller fish, frogs, and even insects that are abundant in these temperatures.
Pike are likely to feed actively in these conditions, making it a great time for fishing. You can use a variety of lures like jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics that mimic the prey they’re after. Casting near weed beds, rocky areas, or drop-offs and using a mix of steady and erratic retrieval can attract pike.
Above 74°
In water temperatures above 74 degrees Fahrenheit, pike fishing can become a bit challenging. During this time, pike might become less active and slow down.
Pike tend to move to cooler and deeper parts of the water to escape the warmer temperatures. They might be found near drop-offs, submerged structures, or in areas with more shade.
Their focus shifts to smaller prey like minnows, small fish, and insects, as larger prey may be harder to catch in the warmer water.
Pike might not feed as actively in these conditions, so fishing can be tougher. Using lures that resemble their preferred prey, like swimbaits and soft plastics, can still work. Slow and steady retrieval with occasional pauses can attract their attention. Early morning or late afternoon, when the water is cooler, might be better times to fish for pike.
Is Water Temperature a Big Factor in Pike Fishing?
Water temperature plays a big role in pike fishing and how active the pike are. When the water is cold, like in winter when it’s below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, pike become slower and less active. They might move to deeper parts of the water where it’s warmer to conserve energy.
As the water warms up in spring, around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit, pike become more active. They start moving to shallower areas to find food and prepare for spawning. In this temperature range, pike are more willing to chase after bait or lures.
During summer, when water temperatures are around 60-70 degrees, pike are quite active. They move to shallower parts and become more aggressive in seeking prey. Warmer water speeds up their metabolism, so they need to eat more often.
In fall, as water temperatures cool down again, pike continue to stay active and feed to fatten up before winter. When water gets very cold, like in late fall or winter, pike slow down and become less active.
In summary, the right water temperature can make pike more energetic and willing to feed, while extremely cold or extremely warm water can make them less active.
Seasonal Water Temperature Guide for Pike
Winter
In winter, pike fishing can be a bit challenging due to the colder water. In early winter, when temperatures are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, pike become less active and tend to move slowly. They often stay in deeper parts of the water, where it’s warmer. Their food choices are limited, focusing on smaller fish or even insects that are still around.
In the middle of winter, when temperatures remain around 40-50 degrees, pike might move to slightly shallower areas near drop-offs or underwater structures. They still feed but not as aggressively. Their prey options are similar, like smaller fish and sometimes insects.
By late winter, when temperatures are around 50 degrees or lower, pike become a bit more active again. They might move to the shallower parts of the water, searching for food before the spring. Their main food sources remain smaller fish and the occasional insect.
Fishing for pike in winter requires patience and slower techniques. Using live bait like minnows or shiners can work well, as can using lures that mimic their prey. Slow and steady retrieval of lures like jigs or spoons can attract pike. Fishing near structures or drop-offs, where pike might be looking for food, can increase your chances of catching them.
Spring
In spring, pike fishing can be really good as the water warms up. Early spring, when water temperatures are around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit, pike start becoming more active. They move from deeper areas to shallower parts near the shore to find warmer water. They focus on smaller fish and sometimes insects as their main food.
In the middle of spring, when temperatures are around 50-60 degrees, pike become even more active. They move into shallower waters with structures like weed beds and fallen trees. They still target smaller fish but might also go after frogs and other prey.
By late spring, when temperatures are around 60-70 degrees, pike are at their most active. They move to the shallows to spawn and look for food. They feed more aggressively on fish, frogs, and even birds.
For early spring, using slow-moving lures like jigs or jerkbaits can work well. In the middle of spring, spinnerbaits and crankbaits can be effective near structures. In late spring, topwater lures and swimbaits can mimic the prey pike are after. Fishing near weed beds, structures, and drop-offs during dawn and dusk can increase your chances of catching pike.
Summer
In summer, pike fishing can be really exciting as the water warms up. In early summer, when temperatures are around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, pike become more active and start moving to shallower areas to find food. They look for places with structures like weeds, rocks, and fallen trees. Pike focus on smaller fish, frogs, and even insects as their main food.
In the middle of summer, when temperatures are around 70-80 degrees, pike are even more active. They move to even shallower parts of the water and might be found near the surface in the morning or evening. They still go after smaller fish and prey like frogs.
By late summer, when temperatures are around 80 degrees or higher, pike continue to stay near the shallows. They might also move to cooler, deeper areas during the hottest parts of the day. They feed more aggressively on small fish, frogs, and even small mammals.
Catching pike in summer can be fun. Using lures that look like fish or frogs, such as crankbaits, topwater lures, and soft plastics, can work well. Fishing near weed beds, rocky structures, and drop-offs during dawn and dusk can increase your chances of catching pike. Varying your retrieval speed can also help attract their attention.
Fall
In the fall, pike fishing can be really good as the water cools down. In early fall, when temperatures are around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, pike become more active and start moving to shallower areas to prepare for winter. They look for places with structures like weed beds, rocky points, and drop-offs. Pike focus on smaller fish and sometimes larger prey like other fish.
In the middle of fall, when temperatures are around 50-60 degrees, pike are even more active. They continue to move to shallower waters and might be found near the surface during cooler parts of the day. They still go after smaller fish but might also target larger prey like small mammals.
By late fall, when temperatures are around 40-50 degrees, pike become a bit slower but still feed actively. They move to the shallows to fatten up before winter. Their main food sources remain small fish, but they might also focus on larger prey like birds.
To catch pike in the fall, using lures that resemble fish or other prey can work well. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jerkbaits are good choices. Fishing near structures like weed beds and rocky areas during dawn and dusk can increase your chances of catching pike. Varying your retrieval speed and using a mix of steady and erratic movements can attract their attention.
Does Air Temperature Impact Pike Fishing?
Pike fishing can be influenced by air temperature because it affects the water temperature, which in turn affects how pike behave. When the air is warm, it heats up the water in lakes or rivers where pike live. Warmer water makes pike more active and likely to move around to find food. They might swim to shallower areas because the warm water is more comfortable.
Conversely, when the air is cold, it cools down the water. Cooler water can make pike slower and less active. They might move to deeper parts of the water where it’s warmer, or they might stay near underwater structures like logs or rocks that can provide some warmth. Cold air can also make pike more hesitant to bite on fishing hooks, so catching them might be a bit harder.
In general, pike prefer moderate temperatures because they feel more comfortable and are more willing to feed. So, when the air temperature is mild, not too hot or too cold, it can create the best conditions for successful pike fishing.
How Cold is Too Cold for Pike Fishing?
Pike fishing can slow down when both the water and air temperatures get very cold. In winter, when water temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, pike become less active and move more slowly. Cold water makes them less willing to chase after bait or lures, so catching them can be harder. When the air is also cold, like during freezing or near-freezing temperatures, it can make fishing more challenging because the pike are less likely to bite.
During spring, when water temperatures are around 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit, pike start becoming more active. However, if the air temperature is too cold, like during frosty mornings or chilly days, it can still slow down their feeding and movement.
In summer, when water temperatures are 60 degrees or higher, pike fishing is generally good. However, if the air temperature becomes too hot, like above 90 degrees, it can cause the water to warm up too much. This can make pike seek deeper and cooler areas, reducing their activity and making them less likely to bite.
In fall, when water temperatures are around 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit, pike fishing is usually productive. But if the air gets extremely cold, like below freezing, it can cause the water to cool down rapidly, making pike less active and less likely to feed.
In summary, for good pike fishing, it’s best when water temperatures are moderate, generally above 40 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and around 50-70 degrees in other seasons. Air temperatures that are comfortable and not too extreme also play a role in pike activity and feeding.
How Hot is Too Hot for Pike Fishing?
Pike fishing can become challenging when both the water and air temperatures get too warm. In summer, when water temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, pike might become less active and move to cooler, deeper areas to find comfort. Warm water holds less oxygen, which can make pike feel sluggish and less likely to bite.
If the air temperature is extremely hot, like above 90 degrees, it can intensify the warming of the water. This can lead to pike becoming even less active and less willing to feed.
In spring and fall, when water temperatures are cooler, pike fishing is generally better. However, if the air temperature gets too hot, it can speed up the warming of the water and cause pike to seek out cooler places, reducing their feeding activity.
In summary, for good pike fishing, it’s generally best when water temperatures are moderate, around 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Air temperatures that are comfortable and not too hot, usually below 90 degrees, help maintain suitable water conditions for pike to remain active and more likely to bite.
Storms & Weather Changes: Impact on Pike Fishing
Storms and weather can have a big impact on pike fishing. Before a storm, like a rainstorm or thunderstorm, the air pressure drops. This change can make pike more active and hungry, so they might bite more readily.
During a storm, though, fishing can be tough and dangerous. Lightning and strong winds can make it unsafe to be out on the water. Pike might also become less active and stop feeding during the commotion caused by the storm.
After a storm passes, the air pressure rises again, and pike might start feeding again. The water might be a bit murkier from the storm, which can make pike feel safer and more willing to bite.
In general, mild and calm weather is better for pike fishing. But if you plan to fish before or after a storm, it could be a good opportunity to catch pike when they’re more active.
Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best time to catch pike. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of cloudy conditions on pike fishing. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of windy conditions on pike fishing. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for fishing. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best water temperature for musky fishing.
