Pike and perch dawn ambushes
Morning briefing: pike and perch ambushes, Wroxham–Horning
Where
At dawn along the Norfolk Broads from Wroxham to Horning, recent local reports confirm pike and perch actively ambushing in reedy margins, dyke mouths and under moorings on the River Bure. Ludham Bridge North and Wroxham's reed edges are the best bank options; tidal stretches and Horning dyke entrances favour boat anglers. Water levels are stable — target 2–6 ft margins at first light.
What is biting
Dawn topwater windows are triggering aggression. Perch are taking small shads and surface presentations with characteristic fast, short strikes; pike follow silverfish and are showing from 4–12 lb, with Broads specimens to 20 lb+ reported on lure trolling from boats.
Tactics and gear
Boat drifts and quiet pitch-casts into dyke mouths outperform long bank casts in these sections. Subtle retrieve tweaks are producing first-light strikes: dropshotting on 3–5 g jig heads for perch “squirlies,” cheb rigs or straight jig heads on gonks/shads; for pike, twitching paddle-tail shads (Savage Gear 4D River Roach, Herring Shad, Cannibal Shad) and curly-tail spin baits with deliberate pauses in 15–40 in strike zones. Line choices around 2–6 lb suit perch, while many anglers opt for stronger 5–6 lb set-ups for pike, matched to SG4 rods and fixed-spool or baitcaster reels such as Okuma.
Seasonal forecast
Spring conditions favour early-morning boat drifts on the Bure; expect continued first-light topwater windows through the season so long as water levels remain steady.
Recommended: light lure rod