How would you fish this lake for Pike?

[mschmidt]

I have access to a private lake in SE Michigan that appears to be lightly fished (only saw one other boat). I tried it out for the first time this weekend and caught plenty of LM bass and one huge 40" pike. Most of the bass were nice size around 2lbs. Bass were caught on wacky worms mostly in 10fow and the pike hit up high on a crankbait in 10 fow. Catch and release only.

The lake is 50 acres and has a max depth of 22ft. It is mostly 15 to 20ft deep with a fairly flat bottom. There appears to be some sporadic structure (old Christmas trees?). Near the shore, there are distinct drop offs were the weeds stop reaching the surface. Around this edge is where I caught all my fish.

Water temp was 68 degrees. High for May in SE Mi? There are a few islands but they are surrounded with thick weeds so I did not venture too close.

I had no idea what type of fish were in this lake and was extremely surprised and excited to catch a pike of that size. If there are anymore in the lake I would love to target them. When I fish for bass in the summer in lakes that have a lot of pike I usually catch them both using the same methods. I caught over 30 bass to the 1 pike. Let me know guys. I hope it was not a fluke and there are more pike in there. Let me know. Thanks in advance.

Mike

[mschmidt]

Here is a pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/mschmidt/IMG_1701_1280_800jpg.jpg

[Quack Wacker]

#5 Mepps Musky Killer in Fire Tiger, you can get it at GM for $8.99. You can fish them at any depth and they are great for working weeds where the pike will be playing their ambush game.

[mschmidt]

That thing is 1-1/4 oz... might need a bigger pole too! I was throwing a #4 mepps firetiger for awhile and did not get a hit... It was maybe a 1/2 oz. though. Thanks for the suggestion. I was thinking of finding some big creek chubs maybe to fish with a bobber.

[fishonbb]

I'd love to get on that lake and throw some chrome and blue, bill lewis rattle traps for sure fishing the fronts of weedlines.

[SPITFIRE]

I'd love to get on that lake and throw some chrome and blue, bill lewis rattle traps for sure fishing the fronts of weedlines.
:yeahthat:

[woodie slayer]

try fast trowling rapalas.pike can't resist chasing them. i run 3.5-4 mph

[ManxFishing]

We used to fish pike with chubs

We would use a 10-12" chub (dead frozen ones worked better)
Nose hooked a doll fly jig (yellow or black) and then ran a stinger to the tail.

We would cast them along the weed beds and bounce them back to the boat.
When the pike hit, we would free spool and let them run and turn the bait before setting the hook.

[UkiahDog]

I know a guy on a private lake that's been hitting big pike at dusk w/topwater lures. They're in cruising the shallows and flats feeding on the spawning bass and bluegill right now.

I saw a few 40's in Arbutus when I was bass fishing there this last week, but couldn't get a bite with the bigger bass lures I had at the time. I think they are a little more selective midday and you'll get reaction hits then.

I like the other suggestions too, but I'd pick up a big topwater for the later hours or in shallows w/shadows or if the wind starts to blow barely enough to give a good ripple as they start to look for the wind blown targets then as well. I like topwater in a very light wind in shadows that trees cast, or in dusk/dawn and the hour either way of those times.

Nice fish by the way!!

[UkiahDog]

As far as Rap's up here they've been liking the bigger X-Raps. That's what I've been hearing from others too.

[love2fish93]

check this out

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245938

[mschmidt]

Thanks a ton guys... Next time I can break away and get out there I will try some of these options! Hopefully I find some more of these monsters.

Mike

[Ron Howard]

Hey Mike, I recogonize the lake. I use to live on the north shore right next to the mobile home park. Best lake I have ever fished. Use to get monster pike hitting at the dock in front of the house on a daily basis. I have two 19" & 20" bass on the wall that my two sons caught from the dock when they youngsters. I use to use white dixie dancer spinner baits with the white w/red tipped trailer worm all the time. Use to see many people troll thru the middle using the good ole red & white daredevil. My boss still owns the home that I use to rent and I still try to go there at least once a year with a canoe. Try along the west shore near the reeds and cat tails and near the mobile home park beach area. Also try casting into shore and reeling out along the drop off on the south shore. But most of my luck was right from shore in front of the house. Good luck and same some of those huge bass for me.

[Elk5012]

Once the water warms up a bit more try jigging big plastics (8" to 10") in deep water near the fast drop offs. Drift across the lake jigging hard then let it set still, that usually triggers a hit. When the water warms up they'll move deeper but hang out near shallow areas to move back and forth during morning and evenings.

[Ron Howard]

Mike,
I am familiar with the lake you mentioned in the PM, but have never fished it. By the size of that pike you got, looks like I sure want to fish it though. Thats what is nice about lakes without public launches. Lots of fish but unless you know someone you can't get access. My son has access to a private lake north of Stockbridge and he pulls monster pike out of there all the time. I'm stil trying to get him t get me on that lake.
what other lakes in the area have you had good luck on?

by the way, your PM is full, you have to clear some out before you can receive more, that is why I am replying here.

[sandman_iac]

I am in the same situation where I have access to a nice little private lake. The other day fishing for bluegill we ran into some other guys who said they had just caught a 34" pike. That got me thinking I would like to try for pike too. I have never fished for pike though. So I went into Bass Pro and was looking for a good lure. I settled for a Rattlin Rappala - Baby Bass. Anyone had any luck with these?

[deadboi77]

#5 Mepps Musky Killer in Fire Tiger, you can get it at GM for $8.99. You can fish them at any depth and they are great for working weeds where the pike will be playing their ambush game.
.
i use them in the hot pink flavor though.