Northern Pike

Targeting northern pike in Hickory Hills, Illinois, requires focusing on specific locations and times of year. While not abundant, pike can be found in some of the larger lakes and sloughs within the Cook County Forest Preserves, such as Busse Woods and Saganashkee Slough. These areas offer the weedy habitat that pike prefer. Spring, just after ice-out, and fall, as the water cools, are the most productive times to target pike. They move into shallower water to spawn or feed aggressively before winter. When targeting pike in these areas, use steel leaders to prevent them from biting through your line. Large spoons, spinners, and crankbaits are all effective lures. A good local tip is to focus on areas with submerged vegetation or near creek inlets, as these areas often hold baitfish that attract pike. Be prepared for a fight; pike are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs.