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Spawning is one of the most important periods in the life of any fish, each individual tends to leave behind offspring. Pike spawning is quite interesting, the behavior of the predator during this period is very unusual. The fisherman is simply obliged to know all the intricacies of the process, this will allow him to be with the catch and not overstep the law.
What is spawning and when does it take place
Spawning is the process of laying eggs in the inhabitants of the reservoir, namely in fish. Each ichthyoger with the onset of puberty follows his instincts, and they include spawning.
It is difficult to say exactly when pike spawning begins, this process is influenced by weather conditions, and the age of the females should also be taken into account. Usually she starts spawning first in the water area, and the young do it right away, adults complete the process. At the time of the transition of fry to a predatory way of life, spawning is just beginning for the rest of the fauna, so they never remain hungry.
Spawning is characterized by three phases:
| phase | features |
| pre-spawning zhor | regardless of weather conditions, the predator absorbs everything in its path both under ice and in open water |
| roe | the fish does not feed at all, goes to pre-looked places for laying eggs |
| post-spawning zhor | having been a little sick after a complex process, the pike restores its shape, actively eating living creatures from the reservoir |
If the winter drags on, the process can even take place under the ice.
Another feature is that in closed reservoirs the procedure occurs earlier. When does the pike go to spawn in the rivers? Usually 3-4 weeks after their pond and lake relatives.
At what age do pike spawn
For the successful implementation of the procedure, it is necessary that the water warms up to 3-7 degrees Celsius, only then the toothy resident will be able to do everything in the best possible way. Not every individual can leave offspring even under ideal conditions; the fish must be sexually mature. In each reservoir it is individual, but the general rules are as follows:
- the female is able to lay eggs at 4 years of age;
- the male is considered sexually mature in the fifth spring.
With good nutrition and excellent conditions in the water area, females will be able to produce offspring within 3 years after birth.
A mature individual weighs at least 400 g.
The pike will lay more and more eggs every year, the long-liver is able to leave up to 220 eggs at a time. Before the start, individuals stray into groups, for each female there are 000-3 males. Cavaliers accompany the lady to her destination, their number depends on the size of the toothy, the larger she is, the more males accompany her.
Where to spawn
When a pike spawns, it starts and ends this process, they found out. Attention should be paid to the places, because they are very important for the conservation of the population.
For offspring, the predator chooses shallow water, because the water there warms up faster and better. The best options are:
- small rivers;
- streams;
- rims;
- factory
The main characteristics of this place are a shallow depth of up to a meter and the presence of stones, bushes, grass, snags under water. It is they who will help the fish get rid of the heaviness in the belly, namely, the eggs will be released. When a pike spawns, it simply rubs all underwater obstacles, as if squeezing out offspring from itself.
When the pike is just starting to spawn, the males are nearby, but at the end of the procedure, it is better for them to stay away from the hungry female. Fishermen often observed a picture of eating a relative by a lady in spawning places.
In the future, the predator does not go far, thereby protecting her offspring from roach and perch, which adore her caviar. Yes, and there will be something to feast on here, followed by spawning roach.
Features of fishing during spawning
In most regions, fishing is prohibited or limited during the spawning season, this should be taken into account before you go to catch. It is strictly prohibited by law:
- move around the reservoir in rowing boats and on watercraft with a motor;
- approach the coastline by auto and motor transport closer than 200 m;
- spawning grounds.
The unspoken law is the return of a toothy resident with caviar to the water, it is better to wait a couple of weeks and return here again.
Immediately after the procedure, the predator stops responding to any bait, it is inactive and practically does not move. How sick is a pike immediately after spring spawning? To recover, she needs 2-3 weeks, the fisherman will be able to find out about this on the pond. She will actively take all the bait offered, trying to make up for what is missing in her belly.
The normal course of spawning is very important for maintaining the population of fish in water bodies, both closed and open. It is worth observing the law and refraining from catching trophy specimens during this period, then the pike population will only increase, to the delight of all of us.