Northern Pike

While not the first place that comes to mind for pike fishing in Pennsylvania, the Shippensburg area does offer some opportunities for anglers willing to explore. Several of the larger reservoirs and slower-moving sections of the Conodoguinet Creek watershed hold populations of northern pike. Spring is a great time to target them as they move into shallower areas to spawn. Early fall, as water temperatures cool, is another productive period. Focus on areas with submerged vegetation, fallen timber, or other structure that provides ambush points for these predators. A small boat or kayak can be helpful for accessing the best fishing spots. A local tip is to try fishing with large swimbaits or crankbaits in the early morning or late evening hours, especially during periods of low light. Pike in this region tend to be opportunistic feeders, so varying your lure presentation can help you find what they're biting on.