There are three times during the open-water period that can be considered prime for big pike.

Each of these windows of opportunity lasts from 10 to 14 days and is key for large-sized northerns because during this time, the bigger fish of this species are more concentrated in the shallower water. Here's where they can be found easily and caught with lures that allow anglers to cover some ground in their search. Once these big pike head to the cool depths where they spread out and suspend, finding and catching them requires tremendous amounts of luck. It's better to time your fishing for big pike to these three periods to take advantage of factors that give the edge to the angler instead of the pike.

Adam Johnson is an aquatic biologist who chases pike all over the country where they can be found. Through his efforts, he has discovered the three prime times to focus on big pike in open water. The first period is right after ice-out, which can be a problem in many states where the season is closed on inland waters. The second period is as the shallows warm, when the big pike transition from shallow water to deep water. The third is right before a water body turns over in the fall, when big northerns will move up into shallow water after spending summer in the depths.

"Right after ice-out, you find huge northern pike in the spawning areas," said Johnson. "These will be shallow weed-choked bays in lakes, and weedy backwater bays in rivers and reservoirs."

Johnson lives in Minnesota, but also fishes in Wisconsin and Michigan. In his home state, pike fishing is closed during the ice-out period on most bodies of water, but not all.

"The Mississippi River is one of the best spots I know for ice-out pike," said Johnson, "and the border waters are open for pike year 'round. Most states will have lakes or rivers that are open to pike fishing right after ice-out. You just have to check the rule book to find them."

Gregg Melstrom runs a guide business called Pike Dreams from his bait and tackle shop. He's a well-versed multi-species angler but is quick to admit his favorite fish are big northern pike. "Little northerns aren't hard to find and catch, but the big pike are a challenge and they put up one heck of a fight," said Melstrom. "When you hook into a really nice pike, you can't make any mistakes."

Melstrom said you cannot let the cold water temperatures right after ice-out deter you from using an approach that allows you to cover some ground. "This is the perfect time to be tying on a spinnerbait," he said, "because it's a lure that works well in shallow vegetation."