Northern Pike

If you're after Northern Pike near Shorewood, Illinois, the Kankakee River is your best bet. This river system, with its abundant weed beds, backwaters, and structure, provides ideal habitat for pike. Spring and early summer, when the water warms and pike move into the shallows to spawn, are particularly productive. Large spinnerbaits, spoons, and crankbaits are effective for covering water and triggering aggressive strikes. Don't be afraid to throw large swimbaits as well. For bank access, explore the McKinley Woods Forest Preserve, which offers several access points to the river. Boating anglers can launch at various ramps along the Kankakee. Pike in this area can range from smaller hammer handles to impressive trophy-sized fish. Be sure to use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs, as pike have sharp teeth. Also, respect the regulations regarding size and bag limits, which can vary depending on the specific section of the river.