Northern Pike

If you're looking to tangle with Northern Pike near Compton, Illinois, you'll want to focus your efforts on the nearby Hennepin Canal. This historic waterway offers surprisingly good pike fishing, especially in the spring and fall. Spring, just after ice-out, finds pike staging near spawning areas in the shallower, weedy sections of the canal. Fall sees them actively feeding as they prepare for winter. Try casting large spinnerbaits, spoons, or crankbaits along weed lines and near submerged timber. For bank access, the canal has numerous access points and parking areas along its length. Be aware that the canal can be shallow in some areas, so wading or using a small boat or kayak is often necessary to reach the best spots. The pike in the Hennepin Canal aren't always huge, but they are aggressive, and a day spent chasing them can be very rewarding.