Jared Urick asked posed this query over on the NAFC Facebook page (www.facebook.com/FishingClub):

"When do northerns start hitting lures in the Spring?"

Anyone have any advice to share? I'll post it to the Facebook wall for Jared if you post your response here.

Thanks!

Update: Jared fishes the Root River and its bays and backwaters.

Pike will start biting as soon as the game-fish season opens, which is the first weekend in May on most bodies of water. There are certain lakes and rivers that are open year-round; not sure if the Root River is one of them. On river systems find slack water adjacent to deeper pools and cast stick baits or Mepps spinners. Key-in on rocky or woody areas also. In lakes, they will stage post-spawn in warmer water next to bull rushes and large green weed beds. Throw creature baits, slow wobbling cranks, bucktails or flashy spinner baits. Work them slowly because at this time of year the pike are lethargic but hungry from spawning.