Northern Pike

Northern pike fishing near Peoria can be a rewarding experience, especially in the backwaters and lakes connected to the Illinois River. Spring is prime time, as pike move into shallow weedy areas to spawn. Large spinnerbaits, spoons, and jerkbaits are all effective lures. As the water warms, pike will often retreat to deeper, cooler water near weed edges or submerged timber. The fall is another good time to target them as they feed aggressively before winter. A good tip is to focus on areas with a lot of baitfish activity. Look for areas where smaller fish are schooling, as the pike won't be far behind. Consider using a wire leader, as pike have sharp teeth that can easily cut through monofilament or fluorocarbon line.