Every year, when the closed season kicks in, at the end of March and everything comes to a sudden stale, so does the pike fishing in most waters. In the middle regions of Europe, especially in the Netherlands, fishing with artificial baits is on hold for two months. And for the better, because it has been crazy pressured on the waters, and the fish need a well-deserved rest, and with the ever-growing warmer weather, Pike have been in full spawning mode the last weeks of the season, with not much to catch either way.
Stunning Swedish lakes loaded with fish!
Up north in Europe, in Scandinavia, Sweden to be more precise, things are a whole different game. Winter has been harsh in most of the country, and things are kicking off end of April, beginning of May. I’ve been in Sweden many times so far, and the fall has always been dear to me, but when I would have to compare in terms of numbers and also the size of the fish, fall is great, because the fish are eager to feed, but so are they in the spring, and sometimes even crazier. Although the scenery is stunning in the northern hemisphere during the fall, once you have experienced what a spring bite can be all about, you don’t want it either way!
Endless bays and having fun with friends, here in the 530 CS Double Console from Cryptocraft Fishing Boats!
The fishing depends on two factors at this time of year: water temperature and the outside temperature. In past times, we’ve had crazy hot weather in the spring, high skies. Bluebird conditions, which usually are not my favorite, are a delight to be on the water, but not very great for ”good” pike fishing. That being said, last year, the shallow water bite was really good. Smaller islands connected to deeper edges were key to finding predators lurking around grassy rocks and reeds. Smaller baits were exceptional, and you could catch five pike in five casts if you could be able to find the right spots!
Smaller baits are key! The 13cm Fatboy Swim ”Alaskagaddan” from Freewaterpictures brutally inhaled!
The Dalsland region of Sweden, where we stayed this week, is known for its many lakes, and the fishing can be exceptional. There a lakes around every corner and multiple waters to fish. What I personally really like is the silence on the water, which can be haunting at times. And also the diversity of water clarity is a really nice thing. You can fish a different lake each day, and although some do not always contain the big ones, or make it easy to catch bigger fish, the smaller pike fishing can be great. They are often beautifully colored and make up for an awesome fight!
Beautiful fish are coming from the clear water
The majority of the time is spent fishing the shallows with jerkbaits, and as mentioned, the deeper edges. There is a variety of fishing styles you can do, but long casts with hardbaits up to the reeds is probably the most fun. On the slower day, an edge can produce a nice bite on softbaits, and anything from the 7 to 9” range will do. Techniques used during spring pike fishing differ from other seasons. Since the water is still relatively cold, you always have to find what works. Natural colors work best, and I have found that aggressive pike love to eat their smaller family members, so definitely take ”pike” patterns with you to the water. Anything naturally colored can do just as fine.
Eye Swimmers from Armada Tackle (Jaktia) are great when fishing shallow, clear water!
When the weather is forgiving and there’s not much rain, but overall overcast and cloudy conditions, the fishing can be a lot of fun. in the previous year, we experienced a heat wave that, as mentioned, put a hold on the consistent bite now and then, but searching for spots on such large bodies of water will eventually put you on the fish. There are unlimited possibilities to get what you are looking for, and around any corner lies a new opportunity, which makes it a great experience, and you’ll never know what will be up next, waiting for you beneath the surface!
A good drink (Latitude 65) some nice baits from ULM and a great scenery from the hotel balcony!
Good luck on the water,
Christian Drost
