Northern Pike

Northern Pike fishing near Amboy, Illinois, can be quite rewarding if you know where to look. While the area lacks large natural lakes, several smaller lakes and reservoirs hold populations of these aggressive predators. Lake Mendota is a good starting point. Spring, just after ice-out, is a prime time to target pike as they move into shallow weedy areas to spawn. Fall is another excellent period as they aggressively feed before winter. Large spinnerbaits, spoons, and crankbaits are all effective lures. A steel leader is a must to prevent bite-offs. A practical tip is to focus on areas with dense vegetation or submerged timber. Pike like to ambush their prey. The local pike population tends to consist of fish in the 2-5 pound range, with the occasional larger specimen. Be prepared for a fight, as these fish are known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs.