Im Winter auf Hecht angeln – Technique, Bait & Tips

Everything at a glance

• Pike are sluggish in winter and feed less often, but the chances of catching large specimens are high.
• Cold water changes the behavior of pike, their locations, and their reaction to lures.
• Deep lakes, shallow waters, and current areas offer different hotspots.
• Slow lure presentation is crucial; fast movements scare pike away.
  
• UV-active colors in cloudy weather or clear water increase catch chances.
• The right equipment with a sensitive rod, sturdy reel, and braided line is essential.

Fishing for pike in winter is a real challenge for anglers. Pike are sluggish and bite less aggressively. Still, the appeal is great because especially in winter, the chances of particularly large pike are as high as rarely before.

The biggest mistake many make is fishing in winter just like in summer. But cold water changes everything. The behavior of pike, their locations, and how they react to lures. Those who ignore this often end up without a catch.

This is exactly where this guide comes in. You will learn where pike stay in winter which techniques and lures really work and which accessories give you the decisive advantage. With these tips you will be successful fishing for pike even on the coldest days in winter.

 

What should you pay attention to when fishing for pike in winter?

In the cold season, pike adapt to the conditions. Their metabolism slows down, they move less, and hunt less often. As a cold-blooded fish, their body temperature follows the water temperature. This also affects their feeding behavior.

This means pike specifically seek places where they can catch prey with minimal energy expenditure. Those who know these locations have a clear advantage. It depends on the water temperature and the movements of the prey fish.

Where do pike stay in winter?

Choosing the right location is crucial to fishing for pike in winter. Pike follow their prey fish and specifically seek the warmest areas of the water. Depending on the type of water body, there are different hotspots.

Reservoirs & deep lakes

In deep lakes, prey fish often gather at the deepest spots because the water there remains constantly around 4°C. This means pike also stay there. In the first frost days, they can still be found at depths of 3 to 5 meters, but once it stays cold, they often retreat to depths of 10 to 20 meters. Once found, these locations usually remain reliable for years.

Shallower lakes & canals

In shallow waters, there are no deep retreat spots. Here, pike are often found in areas where the water warms up a bit – for example near the shore when the wind displaces the cold surface water. Harbor areas or urban waters are also good spots because they are often a few degrees warmer due to inflows or sunlight.

Rivers & flowing waters

Pike in rivers seek shelter from the current. They prefer deep outer bends, harbor entrances, or areas with low current. Small fish also gather here, making hunting easier.

Whether deep still water or shallow city canal, those who want to fish for pike in winter must know where their prey stays. Proper knowledge of the water body is therefore a basic requirement. But which technique is best suited for winter?

Which technique to fish for pike in winter?

Once the pike are located, the goal is to entice them to bite. Since pike usually stay deep and sluggish on the bottom in winter, the lure must be offered precisely there.

A slowly worked soft plastic lure in a zigzag pattern is one of the most effective techniques. It is crucial that the lure is moved in short, gentle hops over the bottom. The jig head should be as light as possible so that the soft plastic lure lifts off the bottom even with minimal rod pull.

If prey fish gather in shallower areas, jerkbaits can be an alternative. They can be worked slowly and imitate injured prey fish, which can also entice sluggish winter pike to bite.

Tip: A slow and controlled presentation is key. Pike have low energy needs and often only react to lures within their immediate hunting area. Those who fish patiently and with the right presentation will succeed even in icy temperatures.

The best lure for pike fishing in winter

In winter, pike are especially picky. They prefer larger prey fish to take in as much food as possible with minimal energy expenditure. Especially large specimens are active in the cold season and can be targeted with the right lures. But which lure works best?

The best lures for winter pike

1. Soft plastic lures – The classic for deep pike. A slowly worked soft plastic lure perfectly imitates weakened prey. Models with natural swimming action, like the JAEGER Dropshot Go Kit, work particularly well.
   
   

2. Jerkbaits & shallow rigs combined with soft plastics – Ideal for shallow waters or shore areas where prey fish gather. A slowly worked jerkbait or soft plastic lure can also entice sluggish pike to bite. The JAEGER soft plastic lure MEGO on the shallow rig is a proven choice here.
   
   

3. Live baitfish – A good option for anglers who prefer natural bait. A dead baitfish on the bottom or under a float in midwater can be the decisive weapon, especially on frosty days.
   
   

4. Crankbaits – In low-current waters or harbors, a slowly running crankbait with subtle movements can be convincing. Models with subtle colors and slight buoyancy are especially recommended to catch pike in winter.
   
   

 

 

What makes a really good pike lure?

Not every lure automatically catches fish. A checklist for good pike lures in winter

✔ Run slowly and realistically – Pike are sluggish in winter and respond better to calm, natural movements.

✔ Have the right size – Winter pike prefer larger prey fish (15–25 cm).

✔ Be versatile – Depending on the water structure, different lures are needed for winter pike fishing.

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The optimal accessories for pike fishing in winter

To catch pike in winter, you need not only the right technique but also the right equipment. Cold, deep pike, and sluggish bites place special demands on the gear. Here are the most important components for successful winter pike fishing.

Best pike rod – The perfect model for winter pike

An optimal pike rod for winter must be sensitive enough to feel cautious bites but also have enough backbone to safely land large winter pike. Ideal are medium-length rods (2.40–2.70 m) with a casting weight between 40 and 100 g, depending on lure size.

 

 

Top pike reel – Which reel for cold days?

In winter, a reliable reel with a smooth drag is essential. Since pike often stay deep, the reel should have a high line capacity. A 4000 to 5000 size spinning reel is a good choice. The G-4000 is ideal for large pike and is standard in the pike starter combo, the Pike Go Kit 2 from JAEGER.

 

 

Strong pike line – The best choice for cold conditions

At low temperatures and deep lures, a braided line is advantageous because it has less stretch and transmits bites better. A breaking strength of 10–15 kg is ideal. Additionally, a steel or fluorocarbon leader should be used. With a length of 150 meters, anglers get full value from the braided line PISA.

 

Jonny from JAEGER reveals his expert tip

To catch large pike in winter, the right technique is crucial. The lure presentation should be especially slow because pike are sluggish in the cold season. A soft plastic lure with a light jig head is ideal because it lifts gently off the bottom and looks more natural. It is important to include short pauses repeatedly, as many bites occur exactly at these moments. Large lures are particularly successful in winter because pike want to take in as much food as possible with minimal energy expenditure. Under murky conditions, UV-active lures are worthwhile as they are more visible underwater and often make the decisive difference.

Summarized for you:

• Fish slowly! Pike are sluggish in winter – too fast lure presentation rather scares them off.

• Soft plastic lure with light jig head – this way the lure lifts gently and looks more natural.

• Include pauses – after each pull, let the lure rest briefly on the bottom. Many bites come exactly at these moments!

• Use large lures – Winter pike prefer larger prey to get a lot of food with little energy expenditure.

• Try UV-active colors in cloudy weather and clear water – often the key to success.

Customer reviews

Marcus H. (Munich, DE) – 2 months ago
"The best pike set I've ever bought! The quality is top, and the rod feels perfect in hand. Always happy to buy again."
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Sebastian H. (Werl, DE) – 4 months ago
"A high-quality combo! The rod is excellently made, and the reel runs incredibly smoothly. Only the line could be finer. Still a clear purchase recommendation!"
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Nebojsa T.B. (Baar, CH) – 4 months ago
"An excellent lure for pike – absolutely reliable and effective!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thomas B. (Berlin, DE) – 4 months ago
"Perfect! Fast delivery and top quality – just as it should be."
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FAQ about pike fishing in winter

What do pike bite on in winter?

When fishing for pike in winter, slow lures are especially effective. The best pike lure is usually a large pike soft plastic lure worked near the bottom. Jerkbaits and crankbaits are also proven methods.

Where do pike stand in February?

Pike usually stay deep in February, near edges, sunken trees, or creek inlets. When fishing for pike in winter, you should offer your lure specifically in these areas.

Which colors for pike in winter?

In clear water, natural colors like brown, silver, or green are ideal. When winter fishing for pike in murky water, UV-active colors like neon yellow or orange work particularly well.

At what temperatures do pike bite?

The best bite time is at water temperatures between 1 and 8 °C. When fishing for pike in winter, sunny days and weather changes are often especially successful.