Filling in the void? Yes, you heard it right. The void is the gap when we hardly go fishing for our beloved bass. But that doesn’t mean the rods need to be packed away completely. There’s a whole world of freshwater predator fishing that keeps us hooked during the colder months.
Lure Fishing In Freshwater For Predators – Pike
Yes, we have at least a 3-month break in the winter, sometimes more, sometimes less. The bass fishing season normally kicks off when the crabs start their moult at the end of March or early April, but it all depends on the weather. We still need that clearer water, especially at night, to get things moving.
So why freshwater fishing? Well, I’m no newcomer to the so-called cleaner water. Fly fishing used to be my go-to fishing thrill until I got back into lure fishing for bass. Some of those rainbow trout could give a good account of themselves, but some days you’d be scratching your head wondering why you aren’t getting any takes. Sound familiar? Just like bass fishing.
The Pike: A Predator Worth Your Attention
Now, let’s talk about Pike. These toothy critters are the apex predators of many UK freshwater systems. Their lightning-fast strikes and impressive size make them a thrilling target for any angler. One of the best things about pike fishing is the variety of lures you can use. From large soft baits to spinners and jerk baits, there’s a lot of fun to experiment with.
The key with pike is targeting those ambush spots – near weed beds, submerged trees, and other structures where they lurk, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. A slow and steady retrieve often works wonders, but don’t be afraid to mix up your tactics with fast jerks to provoke aggressive strikes.
Gear Up
Pike fishing requires a slightly heavier setup than what you’d use for perch or chub. You’ll want a rod in the range of 20-80 grams, capable of handling larger lures. And don’t forget a wire trace – those sharp teeth will make quick work of lighter lines if you’re not careful.
Lure Fishing In Freshwater For Predators – The Amazing Perch
One of our lure fishing buddies has been catching some amazing fish over the winter months, and he invited me along to have a go. One of the first things that caught my attention was the crazy-looking lures that predator fishermen have in their arsenal. Just like freshwater bass fishing in the United States, there are all sorts of weird and wonderful-looking creatures.
One of the lures I particularly like is the craws. They call them creature baits, and they look amazing. Already got me thinking – can these be used for bass? I reckon in the shallow water when the tide is on the move, these crayfish imitations could be deadly. Light gear could be great fun.
Perch: The Striped Hunter
When it comes to perch, don’t let their size fool you. Pound for pound, they’re some of the most aggressive predators in our freshwater systems. They’re opportunistic feeders and will happily snatch up smaller fish, worms, and crustaceans. That’s why lures like small soft plastics, shads, and worms are ideal for targeting perch.
The beauty of perch fishing is that you can do it with relatively light gear. A rod rated for 2-10 grams, like the Savage Gear rod I acquired, is perfect. It might feel short at just over 6 feet, but it’s incredibly fun when you hook into a decent-sized perch. The fight they put up on light gear is something every angler should experience.
Drop Shotting for Perch
One technique I’m gonna dive into more is ‘Drop Shotting.’ It might have been born in the States for their bass, but it’s perfect for perch here in the UK. It’s an excellent way to fish around structures like boats and piers, letting you drop your lure straight into the strike zone.
What makes this technique stand out is the presentation. The hook is tied so it sticks straight out of the line, giving the lure a more natural movement. It’s perfect for those sometimes-finicky perch, and with a sensitive drop-shot rod, you’ll feel even the slightest nibble.
Lure Fishing In Freshwater For Predators – The Chub
Chub are often overlooked by lure anglers, but trust me, they’re a fantastic freshwater predator. They’re known for their voracious appetite and can be caught using a variety of lures, from crankbaits to small surface lures. What makes chub so fun to target is their tendency to strike hard, even on lighter gear.
Topwater Lures for Chub
One of the most exciting ways to catch chub is on topwater lures. They’re not shy about hitting a surface lure, especially during warmer spells in winter when they’re more active. The visual aspect of seeing a chub smash your lure as it dances across the surface is pure adrenaline.
Light tackle is key here, and much like with perch fishing, you don’t need anything too heavy. A short, flexible rod with a fast action will give you the sensitivity and control needed to work these lures effectively.
Fishing Different Freshwater Locations for Predators
Freshwater predator fishing isn’t just about the species, but also where you choose to fish. Each type of water body – lakes, rivers, canals, and streams – offers its own challenges and opportunities, and it’s worth knowing the differences to up your game.
Lakes
Lakes are prime locations for all three of the predators we’ve been talking about – pike, perch, and chub. Because lakes tend to be deeper and slower-moving than rivers, fish will often be found near the structure. Weed beds, sunken logs, or rocky drop-offs are all likely holding spots. You’ll want to fish these areas slowly, as predators here are more patient, waiting to ambush their prey.
In the colder months, fish often hold in deeper waters, so adjusting your lures to work through the midwater or along the bottom is key. For pike, large soft baits and jerk baits are perfect for these slower retrieves. Perch tend to gather in large schools near drop-offs or structures, so small jigs and drop-shot rigs work well here.
Rivers
Rivers offer a completely different dynamic, with constantly moving water that keeps fish more active. Pike and perch can often be found in slack water, eddies, and around bends where the current slows down, allowing them to ambush their prey. Chub, meanwhile, are often located in faster-moving stretches but will hide behind rocks, undercut banks, or overhanging trees.
The key to river fishing is working with the flow. Cast upstream and retrieve with the current, letting your lure imitate the natural movement of prey. Crankbaits that dive deep and mimic baitfish work exceptionally well in rivers, especially for chub and pike. For perch, small soft plastics fished on jig heads can be deadly.
Canals
Canals may seem like narrow, unassuming places to fish, but don’t let that fool you – they can be home to some surprisingly large predators. Because canals often have limited structure compared to lakes and rivers, predators will congregate near whatever cover they can find – overhanging branches, bridges, or submerged shopping trolleys (it is a canal, after all!).
In canals, finesse techniques work best. Light rods and small lures are perfect for perch, while pike can be targeted using smaller soft plastics or jerk baits. Because canal predators are used to living in tight quarters, your casting accuracy will be key in getting the lure right into their strike zone.
Small Streams
Fishing small streams for predators like chub can be an intimate and rewarding experience. In these narrow waters, stealth is crucial, as fish are easily spooked. ‘Chub are often found hiding under overhanging vegetation, in deep pools, or behind rocks in faster-flowing stretches.
In small streams, lighter lures like floating crankbaits or small soft plastics fished with a slow retrieve are perfect for enticing ‘chub’ out of their hiding spots. Keep your gear light and your approach quiet, and you’ll increase your chances of success.
Q&A on Freshwater Predator Fishing
Q: What’s the best time of year for freshwater predator fishing in the UK?
A: Winter is a great time to target predators like pike, perch, and chub. The colder months slow down the metabolism of their prey, making them more aggressive and opportunistic. Pike, in particular, are more active as they hunt for bigger meals to sustain themselves through the cold.
Q: How do I choose the right lure for different predators?
A: It depends on the species. For pike, larger, more aggressive lures like jerk baits and soft plastics work well. Perch prefer smaller lures like shads, worms, and small crankbaits. ‘Chub’ are opportunistic and can be caught using crankbaits or surface lures. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different lures to see what works best on the day.
Q: What is drop-shotting, and why is it so effective for perch?
A: Drop-shotting is a finesse technique where the hook is positioned above a weight, allowing the lure to be presented naturally. It’s highly effective for perch because it allows you to fish close to structures and feel the lightest of bites. The lure’s natural movement is irresistible to perch, especially when they’re being finicky.
Q: Can I use my bass fishing gear for freshwater predators?
A: Absolutely! A lot of the techniques and gear crossover between saltwater bass and freshwater predator fishing. You might need to adjust the lure sizes and perhaps use lighter gear, especially for perch and chub, but many of your rods, reels, and lures will work just fine.
Closing Thoughts
While the bass season might come to a temporary halt during winter, freshwater predator fishing fills that void nicely. Pike, perch, and chub are all fantastic targets, each offering their own unique challenges and rewards. Whether it’s the thrill of a pike strike or the delicate touch needed for perch, there’s no reason to stop lure fishing just because it’s winter.
So, grab your light gear, experiment with new lures, and get out there – the freshwater predators are waiting!
