June marks a seasonal shift for pike fishing in the UK. With warmer water temperatures and plenty of natural food sources, catching pike in June requires smarter tactics — but it’s still very doable and can be highly rewarding.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to catch pike in June, where to find them, what to use, and how to adapt to their early summer behaviour.
📅 Is June a Good Time to Catch Pike?
Yes – but with a few challenges.
June is the first full month after the river close season ends (June 16 in England & Wales), which means rivers reopen and many anglers hit their local stretches hard. But pike can be:
- ✅ Active early morning & late evening
- ❌ Less aggressive mid-day due to heat
- ⚠️ A bit sluggish in shallow warm waters
🎣 Key to success: Fish early, go deep, and stay mobile.
📍 Where to Fish for Pike in June
- Deep canals and boat moorings – pike rest in shaded structure
- Rivers with steady flow – cooler water holds active fish
- Large lakes or gravel pits – deeper margins offer ambush zones
- Weedy bays with open pockets – perfect for stealth lures
Tip: Avoid stagnant shallow ponds unless you fish at dawn.
🧰 Best Tactics & Gear for June Pike Fishing
✅ 1. Lure Fishing
- Go-to lures:
- Spinnerbaits (chartreuse or natural)
- Soft swimbaits (10–15 cm)
- Jerkbaits or glide baits in cloudy water
- Retrieve: Medium to slow with pauses
- Focus on: Drop-offs, weed edges, snags
💡 Add rattles or scent if water is coloured.
✅ 2. Dead Baiting (Mornings or Evenings)
- Use sardine, mackerel, or smelt
- Ledger rigs near overhanging trees or reed beds
- Strike early to avoid deep hooking – pike take fast in warm water
🎯 Best when targeting pressured or lazy fish in late June.
✅ 3. Float Fishing with Deadbait
- Great for canals, marinas, and lakes
- Suspends bait just off the bottom
- More visual, slower-paced method
🕓 Best Times of Day for Pike in June
| Time | Activity Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5–9 AM | 🔥 High | Cool, calm – prime time for strikes |
| 11 AM–4 PM | ❌ Low | Fish rest in shade or go deep |
| 6–9 PM | 🔥 Medium-High | Active before sunset, especially on overcast days |
🎯 Pro Tips for June Pike Fishing
- ✅ Go early or go late – heat shuts down midday action
- ✅ Use wire trace even with soft plastics
- ✅ Travel light & move often – location is everything
- ✅ Handle fish carefully – warm water stresses pike faster
- ❌ Don’t overfeed areas – in summer, fish aren’t binge-feeding
⚠️ Important Reminders
- Rod licence required in UK (13+) for freshwater pike fishing
- Unhooking mat + long nose pliers = must-have
- Barbless or semi-barbed hooks preferred for safe release
- Don’t fish for pike in extreme heatwaves (20°C+ water)
📌 Final Thoughts
June pike fishing is all about timing and technique. If you fish at the right times and adjust your presentation for warm water behaviour, you can enjoy some explosive takes and solid results — even in pressured venues.
Tight lines this June, and respect the fish!
