Seider recommends trying the sloughs along the Wisconsin shoreline, especially those in Chequamegon Bay. Sand Cut and Kakagon sloughs in the eastern portion of Chequamegon Bay hold good numbers of northerns. The pike move out of the sloughs into the western portion of the bay along the Ashland shoreline. A few pike will hold around the marinas in the area throughout the spring and may stick around the rest of the summer.

According to Seider, the Chequamegon Bay fishery has a nice mix of pike, big smallmouth bass, walleyes and an occasional trout or salmon. The vast waterway receives less fishing pressure than other waters.

Another good spot is the St. Louis River harbor. Fishing the big lake here is the same as in Chequamegon Bay. Target any weeds, woody cover, marinas and other shallow habitat that might draw spawners close to the shoreline.

“It’s big water up here and unless people know where they’re going, trolling covers a lot more water than casting will,” Seider said. “Spoons, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and live bait are all good. Find schools of prey fish and you should be finding pike if they’re not up shallow.” Studies have shown that Lake Superior pike eat a variety of smelt, perch, sculpins and sticklebacks. Green-and-brown or silver-and-blue colored baits are good choices.

Lake Superior is a trophy-class fishery. Smaller pike have been increasing in numbers over the last 20 years and that means the spawning population is healthy and on the upswing. Seider said anglers shouldn’t expect to hook up with many pike, but if they do find one, it will probably be a big one. Catch-and-release is a great way to prevent overharvesting this incredible fishery.

Lake Superior is open to fishing year ‘round; however, there is a 26-inch minimum length restriction and a two-fish bag limit.

For more information, contact the Lake Superior Fisheries Team at (715) 779-4035, or visit the Wisconsin Bureau of Fisheries online at www.dnr.state. wi.us/fish. For tourist information, contact the Wisconsin Department of Tourism at (800) 432-8747, or at www.travelwisconsin.com