What are some of the better baits for the early season pike on the Miss. R. I’m talking right after ice-out. In my mind they are the best eating fish there is. I had alot of luck with the bigger Mepps and spinner baits during the summer but wondered if that changes during the early colder water periods? Thanks
I have always done good on suspending jerk baits. Sizes from 3″ up to 6″. Jerk, long pause always works good since the water is still on the cold side.
Without a doubt, I would say smelt or ciscoes left laying on the bottom of shallow backwater bays. I have to be honest and say I haven’t actually used this method on the mighty Mississippi, but I have in Canada, South Dakota, and Minnesota just after the opener and it works like a charm! There’s no reason it shouldn’t work in the backwaters, too. Thanks for posting the question, it’s something I keep reminding myself to try sometime. Good Luck 
I would agree with the suspending jerk baits, also have caught fish on spinnerbaits worked slowly in the warmer sections of the backwaters/bays.
Don’t forget Flukes and BFN’s K-grub!!!
My Fav is to fish big Pike. I seem to get the most on large Flukes and Slugs. Slow present!!
I have to be with Dodgeboy on this one. Those suspending jerk baits are real tough for the toothy’s and bass to pass up. Twitch, Twitch, Snap and pause. Next it’s Bam! Fish on 
A few years ago we had a big bass day with these while half the water we were fishing was still ice covered.
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