Northern Pike

If you're looking to tangle with some Northern Pike in Michigan, the area around Clifford offers some surprisingly good opportunities. While not as well-known as some of the larger northern lakes, the smaller lakes and connecting waterways in this region can hold some real surprises. Focus your efforts on the early spring, right after ice-out, when the pike are actively spawning in shallow, weedy bays. Fall is another excellent time, as the fish are bulking up for winter. For access, try exploring some of the smaller, less-pressured lakes north and east of Clifford. Many have small public access points, or you can sometimes gain permission from local landowners to launch a small boat or canoe. A local tip: Pay attention to water clarity. Pike prefer slightly stained water, so target lakes with some natural tannins. Also, be prepared to experiment with different lure presentations. Large spoons, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are always a good starting point, but don't be afraid to try swimbaits or even large jerkbaits to trigger a strike. The pike here aren't always pressured, but they can be finicky!