Freshwater Species Behavior

Why are northern pike aggressive in spring?

Northern pike spawn very early — at 40-50°F just after ice-out — and are aggressive feeders before, during, and after spawn. Pre-spawn pike stage in shallow weedy bays where they'll spawn, and they hammer baitfish and lures actively. Post-spawn pike feed hard to recover, producing the year's best pike fishing in a 4-6 week spring window.