Often referred to simply as "pike" or "northern," northern pike have a well-deserved reputation as one of the toughest fish in fresh water. With aerial leaps and line-straining runs, these toothy fish can test even the most experienced angler both mentally and physically. Michigan is home to a number of exceptional pike lakes, and produces some true giants every year.
Lake St. Clair
Located in Wayne and Macomb Counties, Lake St. Clair is a part of the Great Lakes system. It is essentially a "miniature" Great Lake, although at 430 square miles the lake would be considered a giant by any other standards. Lake St. Clair is known for its walleye, bass and muskellunge fishing, but also harbors some giant pike. Fishing over shallow weed beds can be productive in spring, but in summer pike are more often caught in the shipping channels, where they are drawn by cooler water. The St. Clair Flats area is especially productive.
Portage Lake
A large natural lake in Houghton County, Portage Lake produced eight Michigan master Angler-qualifying pike in five years, earning it a place among the state's top northern pike waters. Fishing peaks in spring. April and May see action centered in the aptly-named Pike Bay at Portage Lake's southwestern end. Spoons and live minnows are useful pike-catchers.
Higgins Lake
Traditionally thought of as a lake for small-mouth bass, trout and perch, Higgins Lake also produces a number of large pike every year, and countless smaller northerns as well. Higgins is a large, deep lake in Roscommon County. Smelt abound in the lake, and these slender, silvery bait fish make up the greater part of pike's diet here. Thus live smelt and smelt-imitating lures are key baits to have when fishing Higgins Lake.
Big and Little Bay de Noc
These neighboring bays on Lake Michigan are located east of Escanaba. The two bays produced 11 Master Angler northern pike in five years, and are as well-known to walleye and perch anglers as to those who pursue pike. Perch and walleye actually make up a large part of the pike's diet in the bays, so be sure to bring some yellow lures. Look for pike around shallow growing weeds in spring, and on deeper reefs and rock piles in summer.
Regulations
On most Michigan waters, northern pike are subject to a 24-inch minimum size and a daily limit of two fish per person. Pike season varies in different parts of the state; a complete guide to fishing regulations is available on the Michigan Department of Natural resources and Environment's website.
Licenses
You must have a valid Michigan fishing license from the current year to fish for pike in Michigan's waters. Licenses are available online and at bait shops and sporting goods stores across the state.
Member Comments