Autumn is a top time to fish for pike with lures. The cooler water, baitfish behavior, and pike feeding strongly make for some exciting days on the water. If you're new to this, here’s what you need to know - both for a standard/medium setup and if you want to try something lighter. Plus, some kit from Voyagers Hook Fishing Company that works well.

Why Autumn Is Ideal for Pike

Water temperature: Pike prefer cooler conditions, and in autumn they hunt more aggressively.
Baitfish movements: Shoals of prey fish gather tightly as temperatures drop, making them easier for pike to ambush.
Shorter days: Pike often feed during daylight hours in autumn, meaning you don’t need to fish at dawn or dusk only.

Two Setups: Standard/Medium and Light/Ultralight

Standard / Medium Pike Lure Setup

Best for most beginners and larger pike. Reliable, safe, and versatile.

Rod: 7–9 ft spinning or casting rod, casting weight 20–80 g
Reel: 3000–4000 size spinning reel or medium baitcaster
Line: 30–40 lb braided line
Trace: 30–40 lb wire trace (always for pike!)
Lures: 12–20 cm soft plastics, spoons, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, glidebaits
Essentials: Large rubberised landing net, unhooking mat, long pliers/forceps

Recommended from Voyagers Hook:

Light / Ultralight Pike Setup

For smaller waters and fun sport with jack pike. Must still be done responsibly.

Rod: 6–8 ft ultralight spinning rod, casting weight 0.5–10 g
Reel: 1000–2500 size spinning reel
Line: 8–15 lb braid or mono (lighter than standard)
Trace: Still use a 15–20 lb wire trace (even with small lures)
Lures: Micro soft plastics, small spoons, spinners, mini crankbaits (2–10 g)
Essentials: Net and mat still required — even small pike thrash hard

Recommended from Voyagers Hook:

these are just a few suggestions, there are many ways to get set up for pike fishing. Any questions please ask.

Where to Fish & Tactics

1. Where to Fish

Weed Edges: Pike often patrol the edges of dying weedbeds. Cast along margins rather than straight into open water.
Drop-Offs & Shelves: In lakes and reservoirs, look for depth changes where baitfish gather. Pike often sit just above these ledges.
River Bends & Slack Water: In rivers, check slower sections behind bends, near backwaters, or around obstacles where baitfish gather.
Near Structures: Fallen trees, submerged branches, and rock piles are ambush points.

2. Lure Retrieval Techniques

Steady Retrieve: Simple and effective for active pike — reel steadily and vary the speed occasionally.
Twitch & Pause: Small jerks followed by a pause imitate an injured fish and often trigger strikes.
Stop-and-Go: Especially effective on spoons or soft plastics; lift and drop the lure to create motion in the water column.
Surface Strikes: On calm days, try topwater lures. Use short pops or steady walking-the-dog action to tempt aggressive pike.

3. Covering Water

Move & Probe: Don’t wait too long in one spot. Pike are active hunters; cast along margins, change lure types, and move slowly along the bank.
Vary Depth: Pike may feed at different depths depending on water clarity and temperature. Try suspending lures at mid-depth or letting them sink near the bottom.

4. Choosing the Right Lures for Autumn Pike

Selecting the right lure is one of the most important parts of successful pike fishing. In autumn, pike are feeding aggressively, but their preferences can vary depending on water clarity, temperature, and available prey.

4.1. Soft Plastics

Sizes: 12–20 cm for standard setups, 8–12 cm for light/ultralight.
Types: Paddle tails, shads, curly tails, and swimbaits.
Colours: Natural shades like silver, roach, perch, or olive tend to work best in slightly murky autumn water.
Tips: Slow, steady retrieves often work well; add occasional twitches to imitate injured baitfish.

4.2. Spoons and Spinnerbaits

Spoons: Great for both covering water and provoking reaction strikes. Try a fluttering or wobbling motion.
Spinnerbaits: Effective along weed edges and in rivers where baitfish move. Adjust retrieve speed according to water temperature.

4.3. Jerkbaits and Glidebaits

Why: Imitate larger prey fish and can trigger strikes from bigger pike.
Technique: Use a stop-and-go retrieve with occasional pauses to mimic an injured fish.

4.4. Topwater Lures

Best Conditions: Calm, mild autumn days or low-light hours.
Tips: Pop or walk-the-dog style retrieves can provoke explosive strikes, especially when pike are feeding near the surface.

4.5. Matching Local Prey

Observe the water: if you see perch, roach, or small carp, try to match the size and colour of your lure.
Pike often key in on familiar prey shapes, so local knowledge is invaluable.

5. Handling & Hooking

Pike are strong, toothy predators, and proper handling is key both for your safety and the fish’s wellbeing. Whether you’re using a standard or ultralight setup, following these steps will help ensure a safe catch-and-release.
5.1. Hooking
- Keep Tension on the Line: Pike often spit the lure quickly, so maintain steady pressure after the strike.
- Firm Hookset: Use a solid, controlled hookset, especially with heavier lures. On ultralight setups, a gentler but quick hookset works better to avoid tearing the soft lure.
- Barbless Hooks or Crushed Barbs: These make removal easier and reduce injury to the fish.
5.2. Landing the Fish
- Use a Rubberised Net: Always net pike whenever possible to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Support the Fish: Keep it horizontal when lifting; never hold it by the gills or jaw alone.
- Quick Handling: Minimise air exposure — aim for 30–60 seconds maximum out of water.
5.3. Hook Removal
- Long-Nose Pliers or Forceps: Essential for safely removing hooks from sharp-toothed pike.
- Cut the Hook if Needed: If the hook is deeply embedded, use side cutters to trim it rather than trying to force it out.
5.4. Release
- Revive the Pike: Gently move it back and forth in the water to allow oxygenation before letting it swim away.
- Avoid Stress on Small or Ultralight Fish: Longer fights can exhaust them; play them efficiently.

6. Adjust for Light vs. Standard Setups

Standard Setup: You can cast larger lures further and cover more water quickly. Aggressive retrieval and heavier spoons or jerkbaits work well.
Light/Ultralight Setup: Focus on finesse. Smaller casts, slower retrieves, and precise placement near edges or structures are key. Work the lure carefully to trigger smaller pike without overexerting them.

7. Observation & Timing

Pike are often most active during cool mornings, cloudy days, and before a weather front.
Watch the water for baitfish activity — surface ripples, fleeing shoals, or jumping fish indicate predator activity.

Safety and Fish Care

Use an unhooking mat or rubberised surface, don’t just put them on the gravel, this can damage their scales.
Use barbless or crushed-barb hooks if possible for easier removal and better fish care.
Support the fish horizontally (don’t lift by jaw only).
Wet your hands, nets, and unhooking mats before handling pike. Dry surfaces can remove the fish’s protective mucus, which helps prevent infections and parasites. Minimizing air exposure and using wet equipment reduces stress and increases the chances of a healthy release.
Always Use a Wire Trace: Pike have sharp, strong teeth that can easily cut through regular mono or braid. Even on light or ultralight setups, a thin wire trace (15–20 lb for smaller fish, 30–40 lb for medium/large fish) protects your line and prevents lost fish.
Safe Hook Removal: If the hook is deeply embedded or the fish is thrashing, cut the hook rather than trying to force it out. Forcing the hook can injure the fish’s mouth or gills and reduce its chances of survival.
Use Long-Nose Pliers or Forceps: These tools allow you to remove hooks quickly and safely without putting your hands near sharp teeth.
Minimize Handling Time: Combine wire traces and careful hook removal to get the fish back into the water quickly, reducing stress and improving survival.

Final Thoughts

Autumn offers a great mix of opportunity and challenge for pike lure fishing. Whether you go with a more powerful, standard setup or try the lighter ultralight route, matching the gear to your fishing situation and treating the fish with respect will pay off. If you’re gearing up, check out the kits above on Voyagers Hook - they’re tried and tested, and built for anglers who want quality without overpaying.

Tight lines, and here’s to some great pike this autumn!

Beginner’s Guide to Pike Lure Fishing This Autumn