Northern Pike

While Chester, Iowa, isn't a Northern Pike hotspot, you can find them in some of the backwaters and sloughs connected to the Turkey River and in nearby impoundments further afield. These pike aren't generally huge, but they offer a fun fishing experience. Spring, just after ice-out, and fall, as the water cools, are the best times to target them. Pike are ambush predators, so focus your efforts around weed beds, fallen timber, and other submerged structure. Large spinnerbaits, spoons, and crankbaits are effective lures. A steel leader is essential to prevent pike from biting through your line. Many of the accessible areas are best fished from a canoe or kayak, allowing you to reach remote backwaters. Always check the Iowa DNR regulations for specific size and possession limits for pike in the area. Be prepared for some casting, as the pike may not be abundant, but the thrill of the strike makes it worthwhile.