Northern Pike Sport Fisheries In Interior Alaska


	Spawning Biology of Northern Pike How old and how large are northern pike when they first spawn? Pike in Interior Alaska can reach sexual maturity by the age of 4 or 5, when they are from 16 to 22 inches in length. Females generally mature later and at a larger size than males within the age and size ranges mentioned above. A common regulatory strategy with many species in Canada and the U.S., including Alaska, is to structure bag and size limit regulations so that fish have an opportunity to spawn at least once before they attain legal harvest size. The basic bag limit regulation for most of the Tanana River drainage and a portion of the Yukon River near the Dalton Highway bridge allows anglers to keep five fish daily, of which only one may equal or exceed 30 inches in length. While this regulation does not protect small spawners from harvest in the sport fishery, it helps to minimize harvest of older and larger fish, the majority of which are mature females with large numbers of eggs, and to maintain a desirable age and size composition within the population. To help rebuild an overharvested population in Harding Lake east of Fairbanks, a minimum size limit of 26 inches has been imposed to protect spawning-size fish for at least two years after maturity, thereby increasing the number of small fish that in turn will eventually survive to spawn. Beginning in 1992, no harvest is allowed from April 1 until June 1 in the Tanana River drainage, to afford fish extra protection during the spring spawning period. Although anglers can catch pike during this springtime period, all pike must be immediately released. Where and when do northern pike spawn? Northern pike spawn in the spring, typically in mid-May as the ice is melting from local lakes, sloughs, and rivers. Prior to and during spawning, often before and during ice melt, fish congregate in shallow weedy areas, sometimes in coves or backwaters. Female pike broadcast their eggs (up to 300,000 per female) over aquatic vegetation and other t matter as soon as open water appears at shore margins. Eggs are adhesive, sticking to vegetation and other materials. Free-swimming fry emerge after 10 to 20 days. By the end of the first summer, young pike reach a size of about 6 inches in length. Preparatory to spawning, sexually mature fish, primarily females, may spend the late winter and early spring period actively foraging for food. Female pike are especially vulnerable to sport fisheries at this time, as well as immediately after spawning when they resume feeding.
	Introduction Distribution in the Tanana River Valley Age & Size of Interior Alaska pike Spawning Biology Where Pike Hang Out Status of Tanana River pike fisheries The Minto Flats northern pike fishery Pike Conservation in Alaska How to Catch & Release Pike Tackle & Techniques
	Home \| Fishing All Content Copyright Š1996-98 Visual Media Design & Alaska Outdoor Journal All Rights Reserved Webmaster

Spawning Biology of Northern Pike