Northern Pike

If you're targeting Northern Pike near Niles, Illinois, the Des Plaines River offers some surprisingly good opportunities. While not known as a trophy pike destination, the river's backwaters, weed beds, and submerged structure hold decent numbers of northerns, especially in the spring and fall. Early spring, just after ice-out, finds pike staging near spawning areas in the sloughs and back channels. Focus on areas with warmer water temperatures. Fall is another prime time, as pike aggressively feed before winter. Look for them near creek mouths and areas with abundant baitfish. A key to success on the Des Plaines is adaptability; the river can fluctuate dramatically with rainfall. Check water levels before you go. Access points are available at several parks along the river, but be prepared for some bank fishing or wade fishing in shallower areas. Using weedless lures and steel leaders is highly recommended due to the heavy vegetation and pike's sharp teeth.