Northern Pike

Targeting Northern Pike around Forest View, Illinois, means focusing primarily on the Des Plaines River. This waterway, though urban, provides surprisingly good habitat for pike, particularly in areas with dense vegetation and slower currents. Spring is prime time, right after ice-out, when pike are actively feeding in the shallows. Look for them in backwater areas and near weed beds as they recover from spawning. Large spinnerbaits, spoons, and crankbaits are all effective, as are large shiners fished under a bobber. Fall is another excellent period, as pike fatten up before winter. Try fishing deeper holes and along the edges of the main channel. A key local tip is to use a wire leader, as pike have razor-sharp teeth. Access to the river is available at various parks and forest preserves along its banks, but be aware of the sometimes-challenging bank fishing conditions. The pike in the Des Plaines are generally opportunistic feeders, so don't be afraid to experiment with different lures and retrieve speeds. Be prepared for some smaller fish, but also the chance at a true trophy.