It is believed that once water temps reach these higher levels, big pike become somewhat stressed and the bite subsides. Sometimes these fish can be so stressed that feeding dwindles to almost nothing and weight loss will actually occur. They are much more warm water tolerant than the big guys are. Winter spearfishermen, who fish out of a dark house and use decoys, know that trophy time for pike is during the colder water period. They take many more trophies than hook and line anglers.
Big pike feed actively in cold water.
The longer a given body of water stays cool, the longer into the season that big pike stay active. The Canadian North is a perfect example of this theory. Many of the lakes rarely approach or exceed the stress zone and thereby ensure that the pike stay active all year long. To grow big pike, another words to reach maximum growth potential, not only must there be the right food but proper habitat. In regard to habitat, we need several types to produce giant pike.