Northern Pike

Anglers targeting northern pike near Guttenberg, Iowa, will find the Mississippi River and its backwater areas a promising destination. Pool 11, with its abundant vegetation and submerged structure, offers excellent pike habitat. Spring, particularly after the ice melts, is a prime time to target these aggressive predators as they move into shallow, weedy areas to spawn and feed. Large spinnerbaits, spoons, and crankbaits are effective lures. In the fall, as water temperatures cool, pike become more active again. A practical tip: focus on areas with current breaks or edges of weed beds. The backwaters can be accessed by boat from several public ramps in and around Guttenberg. Also, be prepared for some toothy encounters – using a wire leader is essential to avoid losing lures to pike. The northern pike in this area are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, providing an exciting fishing experience.