Pike are some of the toughest fish in fresh water. Known for hard-fought battles and line-cutting sharp teeth, these fish exist in a number of South Dakota waters. Pike fishing is a healthy and enjoyable way to experience the outdoors, and the thrill of landing a big pike is well worth the challenges of catching one.
Identification
Pike are an elongated fish with duck-bill jaws lined with needle-sharp teeth. The overall color is olive or dark green with a pattern of light spots on a dark background. You can tell a pike from a muskellunge by looking at the scales on the cheeks; a pike's cheeks are fully scaled, while a muskellunge lacks scales on the lower half of the cheeks. Pike in South Dakota frequently grow in excess of 36 inches and may surpass 20 pounds.
Timing
Pike in South Dakota start their annual transition to shallow bays, backwaters and tributaries as soon as the ice recedes from the state's waters. Pike usually spawn in April and return to the main lake by early May. This spring period is generally regarded as the best time to pursue pike. Fish for pike in spring during mid-day, which can be the most productive time of day, but dawn and dusk are usually better during summer. Deep weedy and rocky cover attracts pike in the summertime. Ice fishermen frequently catch pike as well, usually in areas that hold green vegetation through the colder months.
Tactics
Baitfish make up pike's primary diet, though they will also eat frogs, invertebrates, crayfish and even small birds and mammals. Live suckers and smelt are effective year-round pike baits. If you prefer artificial lures, throw spoons, spinners and crankbaits. Topwaters are effective, especially early and late in the day. Baitfish, perch and frog-imitating patterns are popular, and the classic red-and-white spoon is a perennial favorite. Soft plastic worm and leech imitations can be useful when fish become inactive because of heavy pressure or a cold front. Cast around weedbeds, fallen trees, brush, rocky reefs and drop-offs.
Location
You can find pike in lakes, reservoirs and ponds all over South Dakota, as well as some rivers and streams. The best waters are usually fairly clear, with both weedy shallows and deep water. According to Great Plains Game & Fish, many of the best pike lakes are in the northeast part of the state. Enemy Swim Lake, James River and Lake Bryon hold pike, as well as Johnson Pond, Lewis and Clark Lake and Brant Lake. Lake Oahe, considered by many to be the crown jewel of South Dakota pike fishing, has a reputation as one of the best lakes in the nation to catch trophy pike.
Regulations
You may keep six pike daily in South Dakota. There are no size restrictions, and pike season is open year round. Be sure to pick up a South Dakota fishing license before you hit the water. As of 2010, annual licenses cost $27 for residents or $62 for nonresidents. Licenses are available at bait shops and other retailers all over the state, and can also be purchased online.
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