Northern Pike

Holiday Hills, Illinois, isn't necessarily a pike hotspot, but the Chain O'Lakes offers some surprisingly good opportunities if you know where to look. These toothy predators thrive in the weedy bays and channels that characterize the Chain. Early spring, just after ice-out, is a fantastic time to target pike as they move into shallow, warmer waters to spawn. Large spinnerbaits, spoons, and jerkbaits are effective lures. Alternatively, try fishing with a large shiner under a bobber in weedy areas. Another productive period is late fall, when pike are actively feeding before winter. Be mindful of regulations regarding size and bag limits, as they can vary across the different lakes within the Chain. A local tip: focus your efforts on areas with submerged vegetation and near creek inlets, as these spots tend to hold more pike.