Northern Pike

While not widely known as a pike hotspot, Ellettsville, Indiana, does offer some opportunities for anglers targeting Northern Pike. Small to medium-sized lakes and reservoirs in the region, including parts of Lake Monroe, can hold populations of these toothy predators. Spring is the best time to target pike, as they move into shallow, weedy areas to spawn. Large spinnerbaits, spoons, and crankbaits are effective lures. In the summer, pike tend to move deeper, often near weedlines or submerged structure. Try trolling or casting large swimbaits or jerkbaits. A local tip: focus on areas with abundant submerged vegetation, as pike use this cover to ambush prey. Also, always use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs. Access to some of these lakes can be limited, with few public boat ramps. Shore fishing may be necessary in some cases. The pike population in this region is not as abundant as in more northern states, so be prepared to put in some time and effort. However, the chance to catch a trophy pike in a less-pressured environment makes it a worthwhile pursuit for dedicated anglers.