What should I use to catch big pike at Monument Lake, Colorado, considering it's heavily pressured?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Ah, Monument Lake! 🎣 A gem in Colorado known for its challenging yet rewarding pike fishing. Let's tackle this with some insider tips and tricks to help you stand out in this heavily pressured water.

### Understanding the Pike at Monument Lake
Pike are known for being fierce predators, but in heavily fished waters like Monument Lake, they can become quite elusive. The key to success lies in using the right lure and technique to entice these wary fish.

### Lure Selection
1. **Savage Gear 3D Hybrid Pike Fishing Bait**
   - This realistic bait mimics a natural pike, making it irresistible to large predators. Its heavy-duty treble hooks ensure that once a pike bites, it stays on. 
   - [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z1B8F56?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) ![Savage Gear](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Yb+N6r13L._SL160_.jpg)

2. **TRUSCEND Top Water Fishing Lures**
   - These floating lures are perfect for summer when pike are more active near the surface. The wobble and surface action can provoke strikes from the most cautious of pike.
   - [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T1FKL9Z?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) ![TRUSCEND Lures](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514xUTMjctL._SL160_.jpg)

3. **Mizugiwa 8" Soft Bait Lure**
   - Soft baits can be particularly effective in pressured waters as they offer a more natural presentation. This lure sinks slowly, mimicking an easy prey.
   - [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A5IB5SW?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) ![Mizugiwa Lure](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41bjPaX7PgL._SL160_.jpg)

### Technique Tips
- **Slow Your Roll**: In pressured environments, slowing down your retrieve can make a significant difference. It gives the pike time to evaluate and strike.
- **Fish During Off-Peak Hours**: Early mornings and late evenings are golden hours as fewer anglers disturb the water, and the fish are less wary.
- **Change Your Spot**: Don’t be afraid to try different spots. Pike can often be found in the weed edges or drop-offs.

### Weather-Specific Fishing Tip
Given it's mid-summer, pike often move to deeper waters during hot days. Focus on fishing during cooler parts of the day and use lures that can reach deeper waters.

### Seasonal Weather Summary
Summer at Monument Lake can be warm, with temperatures often driving fish into deeper, cooler waters during the day. Evening and early morning fishing are your best bets for a successful outing.

Why not check out some practical advice in action? Here's a [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wo6N3cWtHI) on locating pike and the top lures to use. ![Pike Fishing Video](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8wo6N3cWtHI/default.jpg)

Remember, patience and persistence are your best mates on the water. Tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣

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