Lott also remarked that while a good selection of larger pike is in the system, most of these fish are from the successful spawns of the mid-1990s and the system will need to refill to replenish the ranks.

Not an angler on the system isn't 100 percent sure that 40-pound pike cruise Oahe's shallows this month. According to Lott, plenty of forage is present in the lake, and a pike of that level is not out of the question.

Palmer's convinced, and he went out on a limb to say even more: "This is the year! If we get a few consecutive days of quality weather immediately after ice-out, I think we will see the state record broken."

Spring in South Dakota means trophy pike fishing at its best, and right now's the time to get in on the excitement. Fishing trophy pike can test your patience, but hook one of the bruisers and you'll see why a giant pike is truly a fish of a lifetime.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
For information about trophy pike fishing with Karl Palmer, phone him at (605) 223-3186 or go online to DakotaWalleye.com