Northern Pike

For Northern Pike enthusiasts visiting Petoskey, Michigan, Little Traverse Bay presents a fantastic opportunity. The bay's weedy shallows and diverse structure create an ideal habitat for these ambush predators. Spring and fall are the prime times to target pike, as they become more active in cooler water temperatures. Large spinnerbaits, spoons, and crankbaits are effective lures, but don't overlook the effectiveness of live or dead bait under a bobber. A local tip: focus on areas with dense weed growth, particularly near the mouth of the Bear River. Also, be prepared for some exciting topwater action early in the morning or late in the evening. The boat launch at Bay Harbor provides excellent access to the northern portion of the bay.