Photo by Greg Keefer.

Northern pike waters abound in Wisconsin, but some are more productive than others. Trophy pike are found in predictable places as well as out-of-the-way spots where an angler can have the entire lake for himself.

Border waters and the Great Lakes offer liberal opportunities for tagging bragging-sized pike this month. The season on inland waters is closed to pike fishing most of March and all of April to protect the spawners. The inland season opens the first Saturday in May and closes the first Sunday in March.

Here’s a look at some pike waters where you’ll want to be first in line at the ramp.

LAKE SIX
“I’d pick Lake Six for northerns,” fisheries biologist Jeffrey Roth said. “The lake is managed for pike with a special 26-inch minimum length regulation and a two-fish bag limit. The average size of pike is better than most lakes, as it’s shallow with excellent pike habitat and is an ideal lake to try fly-fishing.”

Lake Six, in the center of Iron County, covers 148 acres and is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to spring fever. Catch-and-release is encouraged to maintain the excellent fishery, Roth said.

Depths range to 15 feet with plenty of weedy areas in the main-lake basin. There is a remote boat launch.

This is a small lake but carries a punch because of the special regulations. There won’t be many pike, but the ones that are caught can make the trip worthwhile. Pike as long as 39 inches were found during the last DNR survey.

Additional information is available from the Bureau of Fisheries Management at (715) 476-7603.

PEWAUKEE LAKE
“Pewaukee has some good northern pike fishing, but the muskies get all the attention,” said. Susan Beyler, inland fisheries team supervisor. “There are decent numbers of pike in Pewaukee and occasionally a big one is produced.”

Thick weedbeds in the bay and in scattered locations surround Chester Island -- a good place for a northern pike just after ice-out.

A floating Rapala minnow with or without a small sinker is an excellent early-season bait for northerns. The slow wobble imitates lethargic prey fish that haven’t yet shaken off the cold water temperature. Rapalas don’t perform well on heavy line, but anglers can get away with using 10- or 15-pound monofilament or an equivalent line without a problem.

The lake is only an hour from Milwaukee, so it does get some fishing pressure.

Pewaukee Lake covers 2,493 acres in Waukesha County in southeastern Wisconsin. Boat launches are located near County Road E on the west side of the lake, near Ash Road on the southern shore and Park Road on the eastern shore.

For more information, call the Bureau of Fisheries at (262) 574-2121.)