Northern Pike

While Taneyville, Missouri, isn't exactly known as a pike hotspot, dedicated anglers can find some action in the area's reservoirs and larger creeks. Bull Creek and the James River arm of Table Rock Lake can hold pike, though they aren't abundant. Targeting weedy bays and submerged timber is key. Spring, just after ice-out (which is rare but possible), and the fall months as water temperatures cool are your best bets. Use large spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or swimbaits to cover water quickly. A local tip: focus on areas where creeks enter the main lake, as these spots often concentrate baitfish and, consequently, pike. Be prepared for some challenging fishing, as pike populations are limited, but the reward of landing one of these predators in the Ozarks is well worth the effort.