Paul the Pike

When to Go

Pike hunt in low light. Fish dawn and dusk on a pit. Overcast is better than a hard blue sky. After a frost, slow down and fish deeper.

The close season

On rivers, streams and some drains in England and Wales, coarse fishing (including pike) is closed from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. Most stillwaters are open all year — check the ticket. Scotland and some canals have their own rules. Don’t guess.

Time of day

First and last light for lure work. Midday in winter he can still eat if you slow down and fish deeper. Warm nights in summer, work the margins and the weed edges.