Northern Pike

Third Lake in Illinois can be a surprisingly good spot for Northern Pike, especially if you know where to look. These ambush predators thrive in the weedy areas and along the shoreline, particularly during the cooler months of spring and fall. Focus your efforts around weed beds, docks, and any submerged timber. Large spinnerbaits, spoons, and crankbaits are effective lures, but don't be afraid to try swimbaits or even live bait like large shiners. Spring, just after ice-out, can be particularly productive as pike move into the shallows to spawn. Local tip: Third Lake has limited public access, so launching a boat from the Third Lake Village Park ramp is often necessary. Be prepared for heavy weed growth in the summer, which can make fishing challenging but also provides excellent cover for pike. The pike in Third Lake are generally smaller to medium-sized, but occasionally, larger specimens are caught, making it worth targeting them specifically.