Northern Pike

Targeting Northern Pike near Deerfield, Missouri, requires a bit of strategy, as the area isn't known for trophy pike, but offers some decent opportunities. Focus your efforts on the smaller, weedy lakes and ponds scattered throughout Vernon County. These often-overlooked spots can hold surprising numbers of smaller pike, especially in the spring as the water warms and they move into the shallows to spawn. Look for creek inlets or areas with submerged vegetation. Early spring, right after ice-out (if applicable), and late fall are your best bets, when the water temperatures are cooler and the pike are more active. A good starting point is Schell City Lake Conservation Area, although it's more known for bass and crappie; the connected sloughs and backwaters can hold pike. A practical tip: use weedless lures, like spinnerbaits or weedless spoons, to navigate the thick vegetation. Remember to check the Missouri Department of Conservation regulations for size and creel limits, as they can vary by water body.