The northern pike is known for being a species that bites year-round. Whether fishing through the ice or taking in the lake’s turning foliage, there is a good chance of a pike hitting your lure. But summer, that can be a different story. The big ones are there, but how do you catch them?

Like many species, northern pike tends to move to shallower water during summer. However, if this is the only guide you use when fishing for summer pike, you likely come short. In other words, there are lots of fish, but none are in the over 40-inch range.

Each species has a preferred temperature range. For northern pike, that range is 60-65 degrees. Although they can tolerate temperatures outside this range, they actively seek an ideal temperature and move to it when available. Knowing this will allow you to better target bigger, trophy summer pike.

As panfish, minnows, shad and smaller pike move into the shallows, the bigger fish will follow. After all, this is their main food source. However, while those other fish will spend the entire summer cruising the shallow water, the trophy pike will come and go as needed. They will dart in to feed, cruise the area at night, and disappear before the sun causes temperatures to peak.

So where do the bigger fish go? Back to deep water. Sort of. No, they will not head to the deep middle of the lake areas you may have found during the winter. Instead, they will go just deep enough to find cooler water. They will spend the days hanging in this area, ambushing prey as they venture too close. At night, when water temperatures decrease, they will return to the shallows for a darkened-out hunting trip.

Now that you know where the big pike will be and when you can plan to target them. First, you need to find where they are lurking. Next, you need to select a lure or bait. Third, you must be prepared to release your catch to fight another day.

Remember, the fish are looking for a location near the shallows but with more optimal temperatures. This will usually be a steep ledge or slope to a depth of 15-20 feet. An area with grass covering is preferred, as it provides the perfect ambush point.

Once you find the hiding spot, you should position yourself properly. Where you want to be will depend on the time of day and temperature. If fishing at night or during cooler, overcast days, sit close to shore and cast out to the deeper area. During the midday heat, you will work the deeper water, working your lure parallel to the edge. The peak period will be at dawn. This is when you will position yourself on the edge of the drop. Casting into the shallows and working back towards the edge will allow you to target fish cruising for breakfast and returning after feeding.

To catch these big summertime pike, you may need to change your lure. Everyone has a go-to lure for each of their favorite species. I am sure you have one for pike, too. If, during summer’s heat, you notice that your go-to lure is coming up short, you need to change up what you are offering. You need to go bigger.

Large northern pike have different feeding patterns than their younger cousins. Not only do they feed at other times, but they also feed less often. In some instances, they may only feed once every couple of days. This means they want to make the most of every meal, making them more likely to target bigger, more satisfying meals.

Now that you are catching big trophy pike, it is time to release them to see another day. After all, the only thing better than landing a 40-inch pike is landing that same pike when it is 45 or 46 inches. However, releasing a large fish in the heat of summer requires some preparation.

To safely release at higher temperatures, especially after a feisty fight, you will need the following tools on hand: jaw spreader, long-reach pliers and a rubberized net.

With the right tools available, you can open the pike’s mouth, remove the hook, and allow the fish to recover without unnecessary risk to either of you.

Once the hook is removed, do not rush to dump the fish back into the water. Instead, let it rest in the net for a few minutes. You let it go free only after you are sure it has recovered enough. Hopefully, it will swim away as soon as the net is removed. If not, gently support it and move slowly back and forth until it gains strength. When this happens, let go, and it should swim away on its own.