SOUTHERN
LAKE MICHIGAN
The southern Lake Michigan watershed area provides good pike fishing in rivers and lakes. Two of the larger lakes follow the now familiar theme of offering either good numbers or relatively few fish but a chance for a trophy. Gull Lake in northern Kalamazoo County is a deep, two-story lake with rainbow trout and smelt in the depths and a typical warm water mix on the shoals. Big pike lurk at the edges of dropoffs to sample the smelt and small trout in addition to their usual forage base. The best access is at the north end at Prairieville Township Park.

Gun Lake is a large, shallow lake in western Barry County less than 20 miles from Gull, so it’s possible to try both on the same outing. Good numbers of average-sized pike roam this lake.

If the wind is blowing, you may prefer the smaller Fish Lake managed by the DNR for trophy northerns with a 30-inch size limit.

DNR biologist Jay Wesley said some of the best pike fishing in his area is found in the upper half of the Kalamazoo River, especially the reach between Albion and Battle Creek. Good fishing continues in the north branch of the Albion upstream from the town of Albion.

The Battle Creek River joins the Kalamazoo in the town of Battle Creek and the lower half of this river has an excellent pike population. If the idea of catching a big pike in a small stream turns you on, try wading Indian Creek, a tributary of the Battle Creek River, near Olivet. Most of the lakes in this region have pike in them but not in big numbers. For more information, call the DNR at (269) 685-6851.

LAKE ERIE
While southeast Michigan is the most densely populated part of the state, it is also blessed with many fine fishing waters. Lake St. Clair, famous for its muskie, smallmouth bass and walleye fishing, also offers a fine population of northern pike, many weighing in double digits. Moreover, you probably won’t be disappointed if you hook a muskie while you are pike fishing.

This is a very large lake, but trying to find submerged weedbeds is a good plan. In the early season, aim for the areas around the mouths of the St. Clair and Clinton rivers, as well as the relatively shallow Anchor Bay. There are many boat launch ramps, so you can put your boat in easily. You are required to possess an Ontario license if you venture to the Canadian side of the lake.

There are a number of inland lakes boasting good pike populations.

Biologist Gary Towns recommends Kent, White and Pontiac lakes in Oakland County. He said his sleeper pike water is Middle Straits Lake, five miles southwest of downtown Pontiac. Towns also recommended Devils and Sand lakes in Lenawee County and Fourmile and South lakes in northwestern Washtenaw County.

For more information, call the DNR at (248) 359-9046. * * * In a number of lakes, the DNR retained the five-fish possession limit but removed the size limit on northern pike. This was usually done because there were too many pike and they were stunted or because the lake was being managed for other species. The bottom line for many of these lakes has been that the pike fishing improved when the harvest was increased. The lakes are listed on page nine of the Michigan Fishing Guide that you receive with your license.

You will also find a list of lakes that are managed for big pike with a 30-inch minimum size limit. Contact DNR fisheries biologists for more information on the listed lakes you are interested in. They may also give you the results of recent surveys of fish populations in pike-containing lakes.

Remember, pike are sight feeders and primarily devour other fish. They ambush their prey and thus need cover to conceal themselves. Fishing near weedbeds, submerged logs and other cover is always a good idea.

Local tackle shops may also be a good source of information in the area you are targeting. You can get their numbers as well as places to stay by contacting local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce will provide local chamber contact information by phone at (517) 371-2100 or on the Web at www.michamber.com