Northern Pike

Ravenna, Michigan, while not necessarily a Northern Pike hotspot, still provides opportunities to tangle with these toothy predators. Focus your attention on the weedy backwaters and slow-moving sections of the Muskegon River near its confluence with smaller tributaries. Early spring, just after ice-out, and late fall, as the water cools, are prime times to target pike. Look for areas with abundant vegetation, as these provide ambush points for pike. A local access tip: The boat launch near Croton Dam provides access to a wider stretch of the river. Be sure to bring wire leaders, as pike are notorious for biting through monofilament or fluorocarbon. The pike in this region are often ambush predators, so large spinnerbaits or crankbaits retrieved erratically can be highly effective.