I realize that, but the thought should still be in the back of your head. I agree there should be some kind of marker out there. Better safe then sorry (In this case to the tune of $355)
Fish the deeper weed edges 10-20ft, you'll have no problems finding pike.
I put one in the boat last weekend around 36inches. No monster by any means but a nice fish for that lake.
If you're fishing around Sept 1, you won't be fishing in the rivers, you'll be fishing the river mouths. They'll still be out in the lake staging for the most part. Guys do really well off the piers.