Northern Pike

If you're looking for some serious Northern Pike action in Michigan's Thumb region, Kingston is a great starting point. While Kingston itself is a smaller town, it provides access to a network of smaller inland lakes and the Cass River, all holding decent populations of pike. Spring, right after ice-out, is prime time. The pike are aggressive and often found in shallower, weedy areas as they prepare to spawn. Focus on areas with emerging vegetation. Early fall is also productive as the water cools and pike feed heavily before winter. A local tip: try using large spinnerbaits or crankbaits retrieved quickly near weed edges. For river access, there are several public access points along M-53, but be mindful of water levels, especially during the spring melt. The pike in this area tend to be on the smaller side, but what they lack in size, they make up for in aggression. Don't be surprised by explosive strikes!