Just after you’ve died.

I lived with the Warwickshire Avon at the bottom of my garden for a number of years and the stretch was alive with pike. You will catch all year round and it simply is a case of location.

Clear water, in my experience, much better for spinning/plugging and coloured water better for deadbait but you will catch on both regardless.

What water are you fishing?

Perhaps someone will know the bit you are on and might give you some more appropriate advice.