Water clarity and the region where the body of water is located will directly affect where the deeper weeds will be located. In clear water, sunlight penetrates deeper in the water column, so weeds can grow in deeper water. In a southern Wisconsin lake with a longer growing season than a Canadian lake, the warmer weather gives the weeds a longer time to grow during the summer. Combine the clear water with the longer growing season and you might have a deep weed edge in 16 to 20 feet of water. In a murky lake way up north, the deep weed edge could be in 8 to 12 feet of water. Either way, the deeper weed edge will usually hold a lot of bigger pike than the shallower weeds in summer and fall.
Get Your Baits Down Deeper
When targeting these deeper weeds, make sure the lures you choose can get down deeper. Some of these fish will come up several feet to eat a bait higher up in the water column, however, you will do much better if you can get your lures down deeper.
Spinnerbaits
Some of these deeper weed edges will require a 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce spinnerbait to be effective. Get it down deep and bring it in with a slow and steady retrieve.
Swimbaits
Many of the swimbaits will stay down with a 1/2 ounce weight, however, depending on the bait and the depth, you may need to go heavier to get it down deeper.
Weedless Spoons
Weedless spoons are great for deeper weeds. You may need a 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce spoon to get it in the strike zone.
Bass Jigs
Bass jigs are great for fishing the deeper weeds. If you are hopping it along on the edge or through scattered weeds, you can probably get away with a 1/4 ounce jig and just let it sink. If you are swimming a jig, you may want to go heavier. Try using between a 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce bass jig to get it down deeper quicker when swimming these bass jigs.
