Northern Pike Sport Fisheries In Interior Alaska


	Northern Pike Conservation in Alaska Northern pike in Alaska grow more slowly and reach sexual maturity at older ages than more southerly populations, however, the size at maturity is about the same. Alaska's pike generally live about a third longer (15+ years versus 10+ years) than do those in midwestern states and southern Canada, probably due to lower mortality rates and slower growth at higher latitudes. Since 1985 F&G has seen variability in abundance and age composition for all populations of northern pike studied. This variability is caused by several factors, not all of which are fully understood. For example, abundance of newly-mature fish (16-22 inches) and their subsequent survival rates have profound effects upon annual abundance and composition of the populations, yet F&G does not know what causes the variation in abundance and survival rates. Anglers, by harvesting selected sizes and ages of northern pike, may produce further changes to populations. Another example, F&G has found that total annual mortality of mature northern pike studied has ranged from 20 to 70 percent. A portion of this mortality is due to fishing harvest. Although natural mortality cannot be controlled, it is an ADF&G goal to limit fishing mortality to no more than about 15 percent of the population of mature fish, so that total annual mortality does not exceed 50 percent of mature pike. This approach should protect our pike populations by limiting mortality to conservative levels that will result in desirable levels of abundance and age and size composition. Improved fishing opportunities for larger and older fish should result. How can you participate in northern pike conservation? ADF&G annually summarizes and publishes the results of their northern pike investigations. These reports are available at local ADF&G offices and copies can be obtained upon request. Biologists are available to discuss research findings and share conservation ideas. As an interested angler, attendance at local Fish and Game Advisory Committee meetings and meetings of the Alaska Board of Fisheries would inform you of the regulatory process and provide you an opportunity to share ideas on regulatory practices. When fishing, your efforts and ability to catch, handle, and release without harm those fish that you do not intend to keep will allow those fish to survive and perhaps be caught again.
	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 Northern Pike Conservation in Alaska How to Catch & Release Pike Tackle & Techniques
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Northern Pike Conservation in Alaska