Northern Pike

Targeting northern pike near Peru, Illinois, means focusing your efforts on the Illinois River and its backwaters. This area offers the weedy, structure-rich environment that pike thrive in. Spring, just after ice-out, is a fantastic time to target these ambush predators as they move into shallower areas to spawn. Alternatively, late fall, when the water cools and pike become more active, is also productive. A key strategy is to work weed edges and submerged timber with large spinners, spoons, or crankbaits. One local spot to check out is the area around Starved Rock State Park – the backwater sloughs and submerged vegetation there can hold some real lunkers. Be prepared for some serious fights, as Illinois River pike can be aggressive and powerful. The population is generally healthy, providing anglers with a good chance of hooking into a memorable fish.