Northern
Northern pike are aggressive predators that thrive in cold, weedy lakes and river systems across the upper Midwest and Great Lakes. These fish grow large and fight hard, making them a favorite target for anglers who want explosive strikes and memorable battles. Pike fishing rewards patience and the right technique—whether you're casting from shore, working structure in deep water, or fishing through the ice in winter.
These articles cover where pike live in different water types, what lures and live bait work best in various seasons, and how to read the water to find them. You'll learn how pike behavior changes from spring through fall, what gear handles their sharp teeth and powerful runs, and which lakes and rivers in your region hold the best populations.
- Bang's Lake: A Hidden Walleye and Pike Fishery in Northern Wisconsin
- Busse Lake: A Shallow-Water Walleye and Pike Fishery Near Chicago
- Chain O'Lakes State Park: Walleye, Pike, and Musky in Wisconsin's Clearest Waters
- Deep Quarry Lake: A Hidden Walleye and Pike Fishery in Northern Wisconsin
- Fishing the Des Plaines River: Walleye, Catfish, and Smallmouth in Illinois and Wisconsin
- Fox River Fishing Guide: Walleye, Pike, and Perch in Wisconsin and Illinois
- Heidecke Lake: A Clear-Water Walleye and Pike Fishery in Central Illinois
- Hidden Lake Forest Preserve: A Quiet Walleye and Pike Fishery in Northern Illinois
- Fishing Independence Grove Lake in Illinois: Walleye, Pike, and Panfish in the Chain O'Lakes
- Lake Michigan Fishing: What You Need to Know About This Great Lakes Giant
- Lake Zurich: A Shallow Walleye Lake with Year-Round Opportunity
- Nippersink Lake: A Spring and Fall Walleye Destination in Northern Illinois
- Pierce Lake: A Walleye and Northern Pike Destination in Northern Wisconsin
- Shabbona Lake: A Walleye and Pike Fishery in Northern Illinois
- Silver Lake, Michigan — Walleye and Pike in a Classic Glacial Basin
- Skokie Lagoons: A Walleye and Pike Fishery Just North of Chicago