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Fall pike fishing with spinning rods: where to look for these predators and which lures work best. Fall is one of the most productive and exciting seasons for pike fishing with spinning rods. As the water cools, this toothy predator begins to really feed: it actively fattens up for winter, becomes more aggressive, and responds more often to lures. During this time, you can count on not only a consistent bite from medium-sized pike but also on catching real trophies weighing 5–7 kg and above.
Fall pike fishing requires understanding their behavior and choosing the right locations and bait. In September, pike are still relatively shallow, in October they actively migrate for food, and in November (before ice forms) they move to deeper waters. The key is to adapt your tactics to changing conditions.
Pike behavior in autumn
As the water temperature drops to 10–15°C, pike become noticeably more active. The summer sluggishness subsides, and the predatory fish begin to actively hunt. Peaceful fish (roach, perch, crucian carp, bleak) gather in schools and move from shallow to deeper waters—and the pike follow.
In early autumn (September), pike often hang out near the remains of aquatic vegetation. By mid-October, they increasingly move to the edges, drop-offs, and snags. In late autumn (November), large pike prefer medium and deep waters, pits, and their exits.
Weather plays a key role: the best bite occurs on cloudy days with light winds and stable or slowly falling pressure. Sudden cold snaps or prolonged rains can temporarily dampen activity, but once the weather stabilizes, the pike usually become even more active.
Where to look for pike in autumn
September (early autumn)
- Reed edge and remains of algae
- Small bays, backwaters and "pockets" with snags
- Shallow water areas with a depth of 1–3 meters
- Coastal area near reed beds
October (mid-autumn)
- Eyebrows and slopes with depth changes
- Exits from pits and deep presses to the shore
- Submerged driftwood at medium depths (3–6 meters)
- Mouths of tributaries and confluences of rivers
- Reaches with uneven bottom relief
November (late autumn)
- Deep holes and pools
- Channel dumps and upper edges
- Deep-sea snag
- Slow-flow zones on rivers
On the Putorana Plateau, fall pike fishing with spinning rods is especially rewarding. In clear, cold lakes and rivers (the Yerachimo, Lama, Keta, and others), pike actively feed before winter. Here, they often hang out in deep holes, on drop-offs, and near underwater shelters. Thanks to the abundance of forage fish and clear water, pike on the Putorana Plateau reach good sizes and display intense aggression.
The best baits for autumn pike
In autumn, pike prefer larger and more noticeable baits than in summer.
1. Large spoons
- Size 10–15 cm and more
- Classics: Atom, Storlek, Kuusamo Professor, Mepps Syclops
- Colors: silver, copper, black with red dots, acid
2. Wobblers
- Minnow 10-15 cm long (twitching)
- Deep-diving cranks and shads for fishing the edges
- Poppers and walkers in shallow water in early autumn
- Popular models: Zip Baits Orbit, Megabass Vision, Pontoon 21
3. Silicone baits (jigs)
- Large vibrotails and twisters 10–20 cm
- Equipment: classic jig, drop shot rig, Carolina rig
- Particularly effective in deep areas in autumn
4. Turntables
- Large sizes No. 4–6 (Mepps, Blue Fox)
- They work well in shallow water and grass in early autumn.
5. Combination baits
- "Sandwiches" (silicone + petal)
- Large silicone creatures and crayfish
Autumn color palette: bright acid colors (chartreuse, orange) in turbid water. Natural colors (transparent with glitter, silver, matte white, black) in clear water.
Tackle for autumn pike fishing
- Spinning rod: 2.1–2.7 m, test 15–60 g or 20–80 g (depending on baits and conditions)
- Reel: 3000–4000 size, with good drag
- Cord: braided line 0.18–0.28 mm
- Leash: must be metal (wire or titanium) 20–30 cm long – pike easily bite through the line
Helpful tips
- In autumn, use slower and deeper retrieves with pauses.
- Don't be afraid of large lures - trophy pike often respond to "adult" prey.
- Move around and fish at different depths—pike can be found in the most unexpected places.
- Use quality, sharp hooks and a catch-and-release policy to retain large producers.
On the Putorana Plateau, autumn pike are especially active in September and October. Here, they respond well to large spoons and deep-diving wobblers near holes and snags. The clear, cold water makes the lures more visible, and the lack of intense pressure allows the pike to reach trophy sizes.
Conclusion
Spin fishing for pike in the fall is a true pleasure for any angler. Finding the right spots, choosing large lures, and patience almost always yield results. Fall offers an excellent chance to catch your biggest pike of the season, especially if you're willing to explore deep waters and experiment with different fishing techniques.
The main thing is to respect fish and nature: careful handling of trophies and the "catch and release" principle will help preserve pike populations for many years to come.
Good luck on the water, and may the autumn pike delight you with powerful bites and vibrant emotions!
