The last DNR fisheries survey indicated two to four fish per acre with an average length of 23 inches. For more information, call the Bureau of Fisheries at (715) 635-4162.

WISCONSIN RIVER
The Wisconsin River downstream of the Rhinelander dam offers all the impoundments and sloughs that provide river pike with ideal habitat.

“The northern pike’s reproductive system develops all through the winter months in preparation for spawning,” Vogelsang said. “This takes a fair amount of energy and is a possible reason why they seem to bite best during the late-ice period.”

Northerns spawn at very cold temperatures, usually in the upper 30s and many times, if there’s an inlet or an outlet from a lake, they will run up or down the water corridor to spawn even though there’s still a lot of ice. After spawning, pike hang around in shallow water and areas with weeds because this is where they do their best hunting. The only exception is on lakes that have ciscoes because pike will then suspend over deep water to chase ciscoes.

Fishing below the spillways may usually provide open-water opportunities if anglers prefer to cast. There are several dams along the way, but Bradley Dam, the outlet from Lake Nokomis, is a fairly popular and productive spot.

Vogelsang recommends tying on a jig-and-minnow, a floating Rapala or a small spinnerbait to get these early-spring pike.

“Work these baits as slowly as possible without getting snagged,” he said.

For additional information, call the DNR at (715) 358-9239.

LAKE SUPERIOR
Perhaps the most overlooked pike fishery in the state is Lake Superior. The sheer size is intimidating on the best of days and especially when the cold winds are blowing.

The pike sizes are nothing to shake a stick at either.

“All of these pike are healthy and robust,” said senior fisheries biologist Mike Seider, who manages this spectacular lake. “During our spring survey in one of the smaller sloughs in Chequamegon Bay, nearly 20 percent of the fish were greater than 30 inches and we had a few that passed the 40-inch mark.”

These fish are old, Seider said. Superior is less fertile than the other Great Lakes waters, so it takes the fish longer to reach trophy sizes.

“Spring and early summer are the best times to target northerns on Lake Superior when they’re more congregated,” Seider said. “In summer, northerns spread out and move into deeper water. They are more difficult to locate.”