Ecology and management of northern pike in Wisconsin

Abstract

Northern pike (pike) Esox lucius Linnaeus are broadly distributed across Wisconsin and provide an important sport fishery for anglers. Historical management has included use of angling regulations, stocking, and protection of critical habitat areas. Pike management is often a lower priority in comparison to more intensively managed species such as muskellunge Esox masquinongy Mitchell and walleye Sander vitreous. Pike provide angling opportunities year around, with higher catch rates and live release during open water, and higher harvest rates during winter. While length of pike caught during the two seasons is generally similar, there is some evidence that larger fish are caught during winter months. Results from minimum length limit changes implemented in 1995 have been equivocal and warrant further monitoring using standardized protocol to better determine effects on populations. If natural recruitment is not limited, pike populations can reach high densities and stunting can result. Loss of nearshore habitat has continued at an increased rate as more lake homes are built and shorelines graded, and altered with riprap, sand blankets, or sea walls. If natural recruitment is lacking, fry or fingerling stocking sustains or rehabilitates populations. Most pike stocking occurs in the southeastern portion of the state where habitat loss has been extensive. Stocking in other areas is largely to re-establish populations following a chemical reclamation or from winterkill. Future management needs to establish sampling protocols to ensure comparable data on both a temporal and a spatial scale. Long-term monitoring with these methods is essential to help determine effects of various factors (e.g., regulations, habitat loss) on populations.