I'm from Kentucky and have never caught a pike. I'm attempting to plan a long weekend tent camping trip to Wisconsin or Minnesota in my kayak sometime this year to just try and catch a bunch of pike. I really don't care about a trophy fish, more interested in quantity. So 3 questions: What is the best time of year for topwater action? And any recommendations for a lake in either state? Are there pike in every lake? Thanks for any help or recommendations!

Spring and fall, they migrate to creeks and streams.  I deal ones have some deep holes.  Springtime is spawning season and post spawn feeding up.  Fall is when they follow the trout into the creeks.  I basically throw typical bass sized moving baits - spinners, topwater WTD baits, spoons, big cranks, medium swimbaits.  Once summer sets in, you're looking for deep ledges with weeds.  Throw expensive diving jerkbaits or deep cranks.  The pike will bite.

 

 

 

 

 

30 minutes ago, smathis said:

I'm from Kentucky and have never caught a pike. I'm attempting to plan a long weekend tent camping trip to Wisconsin or Minnesota in my kayak sometime this year to just try and catch a bunch of pike. I really don't care about a trophy fish, more interested in quantity. So 3 questions: What is the best time of year for topwater action? And any recommendations for a lake in either state? Are there pike in every lake? Thanks for any help or recommendations!

No disrespect intended...but that sounds like crazy talk.   Maybe because I grew up fishing in WI, MN and Ont.....IDK....but I'd gladly trade all but about three of the thousands of pike I've caught for a few good bass 

After a dozen hammer handles, (and a few lost lures) you'll be remembering your statement about quantity over quality.  I do wish you luck.

In Northern lakes that have pike, small pike will stay shallow and relate to weedy areas all summer long. If a place looks like it will hold largemouth it will hold pike. There and almost anyplace else on the lake, but weed beds are the first place to look. If you throw nothing but a #5 Mepps and pike are around, they'll find it. 

Pike are good eating and few people throw decent sized ones back so small fish are are pretty common. 

As far as choosing a lake, I'd purchase an atlas called The Sportsman's Connection, All Outdoors Atlas & Field Guide. 

There are several editions. 2 for Wisconsin, Northern and Southern. In there, you'll find a list of nearly all the named lakes that list all species present in each lake and how common each specie is. The detailed atlas shows the location of lakes, boat launches, camp grounds and other points of interest. 

Northern Wisconsin counties of Oneida and Vilas have one of the largest concentrations of fresh water lakes in the world and nearly all have public access. Northern Wisconsin is several hours closer to Kentucky than Minnesota which is the about the only thing that separates the two destinations. Both states have a lot of lakes and good fishing. 

Thanks for the info guys! Scott F  that's the exact info I was looking for. Sometimes staring at google earth will get you cross-eyed! Thanks

My only advice, bring a towel. Those are slimey buggers. 

In Wisconsin you can go almost anywhere and catch decent pike but if you have the option go to the Chippewa Flowage. Lot of big pike there.

My best advice is to find the weeds that are vibrant green and flourishing as well as signs of baitfish - perch, shiners, etc.  If you kayak into weedy or back bays and are stealthy enough, you'll often see the pike cruising right in front of you.  Ice out onwards is a good time to go after them so about late April, early May.  Jerkbaits on a steel leader are always a good bet.

Thanks guys, appreciate the tips!