Northern Pike

If you're hunting for Northern Pike in central Ohio, Plain City offers access to the Big Darby Creek, a state scenic river known for its diverse fish population and surprisingly good pike habitat. While not a trophy pike destination, Big Darby holds a healthy population of northerns that provide exciting action, especially during the spring spawning season and again in the fall as water temperatures cool. Focus your efforts around submerged timber, weed beds, and creek confluences, particularly where smaller streams feed into the main channel. Access can be a bit challenging as much of the creek is bordered by private land, but there are several public access points and bridge crossings where you can wade or launch a small kayak or canoe. Be aware that water levels can fluctuate rapidly after rainfall, so check conditions before heading out. Local tip: Pike in Big Darby can be surprisingly picky, so experiment with different lure presentations and retrieve speeds. Don't be afraid to throw smaller swimbaits and crankbaits, as well as the usual spoons and spinners.