Northern Pike

Ludington, Michigan, offers some exciting Northern Pike fishing opportunities, particularly in Hamlin Lake and the Pere Marquette River. Hamlin Lake, with its weedy bays and diverse structure, is a pike magnet. The Pere Marquette, though known for its trout and salmon, also holds a healthy population of pike, especially in the slower-moving sections. Spring, right after ice-out, is a fantastic time to target pike as they move into shallow, weedy areas to spawn. Fall, as the water cools, is another excellent period when pike actively feed to prepare for winter. A practical tip for Hamlin Lake is to focus on the weed edges using spinnerbaits or jerkbaits. For the Pere Marquette, try drifting large minnows or casting spoons in the deeper pools. Pike in this area are generally aggressive, but water clarity can vary, so be prepared to adjust your lure presentation accordingly.