Some of the best northern pike fishing you’ll find anywhere in the world is in Michigan.
Known for their hyper-aggressive strikes, awesome fights, and colossal size, the northern pike is a must-catch fish.
This apex predator is waiting to crush your lure throughout many lakes and rivers in Michigan. From late spring through fall, these aggressive fish are cruising around, waiting to snack on whatever they see.
Epic battles are just one reason to target these monsters. They can grow to over 40 inches and can weigh over 20 pounds. Oh, and they’ve got a face full of razor-sharp teeth. Like, take a finger sharp.
Medium/heavy rods and reels are required. Use strong line, wire leader, and definitely have a large net that can handle a 30-inch-plus fish.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the current regulations for northern pike. Seasons and slot sizes could be applicable. Also, I’m not kidding about the teeth; be careful when removing hooks.
The best spots to catch northern pike are near weed beds, fallen trees, and other cover where they can find a meal.
Choosing the right time and place is why we’re here. Let’s take a look at the best lakes and rivers for northern pike in Michigan.
The Best Northern Pike Lakes in Michigan
Several of Michigan’s premier pike lakes offer shallows full of weeds and sunken logs, deep areas for more extreme seasons, and all the bait fish a hungry pike could want.
We show you the best of the best when it comes to catching northern pike.
Lake St. Clair
Lake St. Clair is well known for its bass fishing, but don’t overlook this place for its incredible northern pike fishing as well! Just a short drive from Detroit puts you on one of the country’s best waters.
Lake St. Clair boasts abundant forage for the northern pike. Weed beds, underwater structure, drop-offs, and plenty of shallow flats deliver prime fishing spots likely to hold these prized fish.
Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for northern pike fishing in Lake St. Clair. As the water temperature rises in the spring, pike become more active and move closer to the shallows gorge on anything they can fit in their mouths. Which is plenty.
Target them in the shallower flats and weed beds with jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, spoons, or live bait. They’ll crush a live minnow.
Once fall hits, northern pike actively feed to fatten up for the upcoming winter. As the water cools down, they move to deeper areas, following schools of baitfish.
Anglers will do best trolling or jigging deeper drop-offs. Try white, chartreuse, yellow, and silver lures to mimic the forage fish in the lake.
Pike fishing in Lake St. Clair often requires a varied approach. You might end the day having tried casting lures, trolling, and fishing live bait and still not entice a toothy pike to the net.
Pay attention to structure and cover, as pike are ambush predators that lurk near vegetation or other hiding spots. Working lures or bait around these areas can yield excellent results.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations and keep in mind the border of Canada through the middle of Lake St. Clair.
Respect catch limits and practice catch-and-release for monster pike to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, preserving the sport for future generations.
The area has plenty of campgrounds, RV parks, restaurants, lodges, and hotels. If you left anything at home, you can find it with ease here.
Houghton Lake
Nestled in the heart of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Houghton Lake is a haven for anglers seeking northern pike. With its prime fishing conditions, Houghton Lake promises an epic fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Houghton Lake’s unique characteristics make it an ideal habitat for these fierce fish. The lake’s shallow waters, extensive weed beds, and ample baitfish population provide the perfect environment for northern pike to thrive.
Anglers flock to Houghton Lake from the ice off in spring to late fall in pursuit of these toothy critters. Aggressive bites and epic battles are part of the reason these guys have been nicknamed “water wolves.”
Early mornings and evenings are the most productive times to fish for northern pike. As the sun rises and sets, pike become more active, patrolling the shallows and ambushing their prey.
Armed with a sturdy rod, a reliable reel, and a selection of jerkbaits, topwater lures, and crankbaits, set out in a boat and hit every weed bed and flat you come across.
The shoreline can be just as good, so bank anglers have a decent chance of bringing in a few.
When it comes to lure selection, the pike chase spinners, spoons, jerkbaits, and soft plastics. The key is to mimic the appearance and movement of the pike’s natural prey, such as perch, suckers, and smaller gamefish.
Six-inch wire leaders are a must to prevent the razor-sharp teeth of northern pike from biting through the line during their aggressive strikes.
Casting near weed edges or retrieving lures through the vegetation can often trigger a violent strike.
Pike tend to congregate around structures like drop-offs, points, and submerged timber. These spots work as ambush points where pike can lie in wait for an easy meal.
Houghton Lake is also one of the top places to go ice fishing in Michigan, and pulling a big northern pike through a hole in the hard deck is a thrill you might never forget.
There are plenty of hotels, lodges, and resorts on the lake, with all the food, tackle, and other amenities you’ll need.
Lake Huron
Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes, offers anglers an extraordinary chance to experience fishing for northern pike. With its deep waters and abundant forage, it has a massive population of northern pike.
The lake’s depths are home to plenty of weed beds, massive amounts of baitfish, and all the structure you could want to attract northern pike in search of their next meal.
The fishing season for northern pike in Lake Huron typically starts in the late spring and runs into the fall.
Anglers can expect pike to be actively feeding and roaming the shallows, as well as lurking near drop-offs, weed beds, and other underwater structures.
Spring and fall find them shallower, with fall being the best time to catch hungry pike fattening up for the winter.
Casting large spinners, spoons, or crankbaits can entice these aggressive predators.
Alternatively, using live bait such as suckers or large minnows on a well-rigged setup can also yield excellent results.
It’s crucial to equip yourself with sturdy rods, reels, and reliable leaders to withstand the pike’s powerful strikes and sharp teeth.
Weed beds, especially those near drop-offs or transitions from shallow to deep water, are prime targets. Pike patrol these zones, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Also, check out any rocky points, submerged structures, and areas with submerged vegetation.
You may also discover first-hand that Lake Huron also has a good population of muskies that take a liking to most of the same lures you’ll throw for pike.
The vastness of Lake Huron means there are more than enough towns, cities, campgrounds, and RV parks to meet all of your travel needs.
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Salmon, steelhead, and northern pike thrive in this massive water body. Several access points can be found along the entirety of Michigan’s western coastline.
Lake Michigan offers everything from extensive shallow flats to deep waterways.
Pike tend to hold closer to shore than the other popular gamefish here.
Target the shallows and weed beds, submerged timber, and along drop-offs and the riprap that covers a good portion of the shore.
Spring is the prime time to target northern pike in Lake Michigan. As the ice melts and water temperatures rise, pike move into the shallows to fatten up after a slow winter.
You’ll find success if you locate areas with weed beds or lily pads, as these spots attract baitfish and offer cover for the pike. Casting spoons, spinners, or swimbaits along these areas can bring on epic strikes from hungry pike.
Trolling is another popular technique in Lake Michigan. Pull a variety of lures behind the boat so you can cover a larger area and increase your chances of finding active fish.
Trolling along drop-offs, rocky points, or near river mouths can be particularly productive.
Using crankbaits, jerkbaits, or large spinnerbaits will imitate the pike’s preferred prey and trigger aggressive strikes.
Fall is the other bookend on a fantastic pike season. They feed voraciously before winter to build up reserves. The fall bite can be fast.
Since the lake is so massive, you’ll want to target one small portion. A popular spot to limit the size of the lake is Grand Traverse Bay, which is an inlet of the lake we’ll cover next.
You can find everything you need along the western coast of Michigan. Narrow down your destination, and you’ll be ready for some fast, aggressive action.
Grand Traverse Bay
Grand Traverse Bay offers anglers an epic adventure. Located in Upper Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay is a massive lake that’s renowned for its pristine waters and abundant pike.
The bay’s ecosystem creates the perfect habitat for northern pike, attracting anglers from around the world to test their skills and land these fierce monsters.
Grand Traverse Bay is characterized by its varied underwater structure. Rocky shoals, submerged vegetation, weed beds, and drop-offs make ideal hiding spots for northern pike.
One of the biggest reasons to fish Grand Traverse Bay is the sheer size and power of these fish. You’re going against trophy-sized pike that will make short work of weak lines and fragile rods.
When targeting northern pike in Grand Traverse Bay, it’s all about sturdy fishing gear. Medium to heavy-action rods and reels with a 40-pound-plus braided line and a steel leader should match up well against these ferocious critters.
In early spring, during ice off, pike become more active and move closer to shore. Early in the season is the perfect time to target shallow flats and weed beds.
As the water warms up during summer, pike head deeper, where they can be targeted by trolling lures and fishing live bait.
Fall is possibly the best time to fish for pike as they become more active before the winter months. Fat pike eager to eat anything in their way makes the fishing action fast and furious.
Targeting shallow bays and nearshore areas with weed cover can produce trophy-sized pike during the fall fishery. Casting jerkbaits, spoons, or topwater lures can be particularly effective in these areas.
Smallmouth bass, walleye, salmon, trout and some big muskies also call the bay their home. You’ll likely connect with several of them while fishing for pike.
Traverse City is nearby and offers everything you need for your trip. There are several campgrounds around the lake as well.
Higgins Lake
Higgins Lake is a beautiful lake for pike fishing. Located in the township of Higgins Lake, this place is a must-see destination. There’s plenty to do here, so bring the family along.
Houghton Lake, which we’ve already told you is another great pike lake, is just down the road. So Higgins Lake is an excellent base camp to explore prime pike fisheries.
Head out from the North Higgins Lake State Park boat launch and target the weed beds along the east side. The west side has a public beach and less cover for the pike.
You can start your day at the South Higgins Lake State Park as well and will find additional areas with dense underwater vegetation and weed beds.
Submerged timber makes a fantastic target for pike. Hit these spots in the early morning or late evening with large swimbaits and spinnerbaits. Cast along the edges of these areas, or troll slowly through them.
Higgins Lake tends to be less crowded than its more popular neighbor. That’s good news for you since the pike aren’t as harassed.
There are plenty of camping, lodging, and dining options around the lake, along with camping and resorts at Houghton Lake.
Mullett and Burt Lakes
The Indian River connects Mullett and Burt lakes. Both lakes are part of the Inland Waterway that stretches across the northern part of the state.
These lakes cover a significant surface area, allowing anglers to spread out and find the perfect spot.
Big pike are relatively commonplace here. Catching a 15-pound beast is a decent day, with the occasional 20+ pounder showing up here and there.
Spring and early summer are prime times for northern pike fishing in these lakes. As the ice melts and the water temperature rises, the pike becomes more active, searching out easy meals.
At this time of year, you will likely find them in shallow areas near weed beds, submerged logs, and other structures where they can ambush their prey. Cast a spoon, spinner, or live bait to entice these pike.
Fall fishing can be epic here. The flurry of activity before winter means aggressive strikes and higher catch rates. They’re fattening up, so live bait and swimbaits tend to work well.
Mullet Lake also made our list of the best walleye fishing spots in Michigan, and you might occasionally fine one of these tasty fish attacking your live bait or lure while pike fishing. Similarly, Burt Lake also is excellent for yellow perch.
Take some time exploring the Inland Waterway connecting Mullett and Burt lakes. Discover other fishing hotspots in the nearby rivers and smaller lakes that often get overlooked. Man, Michigan really is an angler’s paradise.
Muskegon Lake
Muskegon Lake is connected to Lake Michigan via a channel. It’s covered in weed beds, drop-offs, and submerged structure. Located in Muskegon, just northwest of Grand Rapids, pike have made a definite home here.
Casting large swimbaits, spinnerbaits, or using live bait should bring in the pike in this lake. Late spring/early summer can provide some of the best pike action you’ll find.
Hit the area near the Muskegon River inlet and smash a topwater into the lily pads. Dragging it back across the vegetation should trigger a massive strike. Tie on a duckling imitation or rat bait and jerk it over the weed beds for some insane action.
The weed beds, submerged structures, and rocky shorelines of Muskegon Lake serve as prime habitats for pike, and once fall sets in, these spots should be teeming with pike.
Casting large spoons, spinnerbaits, or crankbaits near weed edges or drop-offs can trigger a strike.
Anglers also find success using live bait, such as large minnows or suckers, which can be suspended under bobbers or fished along the bottom.
You’ll likely catch walleye, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass, with the possibility of the occasional muskie. This adds an element of surprise to each fishing trip, as you never know what might be lurking beneath the surface. Hooking into a muskie is a dream for almost every angler out there.
Muskegon Lake has excellent fishing access points, including multiple public boat launches, marinas, and fishing piers. Whether you have your own boat or prefer fishing from the shore, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and fish this lake.
Muskegon State Park sits between Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan and offers camping and other amenities.
Additional camping, lodging, and dining are nearby. The marinas and local shops carry the bait and tackle that catch pike Muskegon Lake.
The Best Northern Pike Rivers in Michigan
There’s a video floating around that features an angler catching a pike with a duckling imitation. Tossing a duckling lure and watching the pike cruise in for the kill would be epic. The rivers in Michigan can provide this experience.
Detroit River
The Detroit River is an excellent pike fishery. Located in the heart of the Great Lakes, it is renowned for its abundant population of northern pike, making it a favorite destination for anglers seeking the ultimate fishing adventure.
Stretching for about 32 miles, the Detroit River provides a fantastic habitat for northern pike. Its clear waters, submerged vegetation, and rocky structures create the perfect habitat for these beasts to thrive.
Anglers flock to the river, particularly during the spring and fall when the pike are most active and feeding aggressively.
Casting with large spoons, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits is popular and should bring on strikes.
Trolling along the river using diving plugs or live bait can also be a good option, allowing you to cover more water.
Early mornings and late evenings are the prime times. Pike feed actively in low-light situations. Use that to your advantage and be on the water early.
The Detroit River runs along urban areas with everything you’ll need for a successful trip.
Muskegon River
The Muskegon River, located in central Michigan, is a haven for northern pike fishing. Stretching over 200 miles, this majestic river offers a rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced anglers alike.
The Muskegon River provides the perfect habitat for these predatory fish. Deep pools, submerged logs, and abundant vegetation offer the pike plenty of hiding places.
The river is easily navigable, allowing you to explore its various stretches and find the perfect fishing spots. Whether you’re a bank angler or fishing from a boat, the Muskegon River offers plenty of opportunities for success.
Spring and early summer bring the pike into the shallows, where they readily engage in feeding frenzies. These are the prime times for pike fishing in the Muskegon River.
Chucking lures, trolling with flashy spoons, or presenting live bait will all do a fine job catching big fish.
A quick note on the Muskegon: Practicing catch-and-release is highly encouraged to sustain the fishery and preserve this exciting sport for future generations.
Handling northern pike with care, using proper landing nets and unhooking tools, helps minimize stress and maximize their chances of survival upon release.
Fish just upstream of Muskegon Lake and hit the many lily pads and weed beds. You’re sure to find pike hiding in there.
When the pike fishing cools off, turn your attention to the excellent steelhead fishing in the Muskegon River.
Muskegon offers everything you need for a great trip. Camping along the river is available in select areas. Plan ahead as the spots fill up fast.