03-19-2015, 09:56 PM
[#0000FF]Yes, there are a few pike being caught. But not in enough numbers (so far) to constitute an "explosion" in population. However, any pike is enough to set off a panic attack when there is an aggressive June Sucker Recovery Program in place.
As has been mentioned, northern pike were introduced experimentally by DWR many years ago. Since they never showed up much after that it was widely believed that Utah Lake was somehow not suitable habitat. But since the recent increase in numbers being caught and reported it has created a lot of concern that they might actually act like pike and carve (chew) out a bigger place for themselves in the Utah Lake ecosystem.
There are more and more sightings and reported catches...from more and more different places around Utah Lake...and up into the tributaries. Who knows how many are now in the system and how much larger the population will grow? That is why DWR is taking an aggressive stance at studying them and determining how serious their problem might be.
The local media has done a good job of helping DWR get the word out on pike...and their potential for adversely affecting the sucker recovery program. Are there enough pike to make it worthwhile to pursue them? Possibly. If you work all the harbors and protected areas...especially if there is cover or structure...you have a reasonable shot at finding and catching a few. If you rig right, with the right lures and line, you will catch and net more than if you use flimsy tackle.
I am betting we learn a lot more about them both as angling targets and as predators on the Junies over the next year or so.
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As has been mentioned, northern pike were introduced experimentally by DWR many years ago. Since they never showed up much after that it was widely believed that Utah Lake was somehow not suitable habitat. But since the recent increase in numbers being caught and reported it has created a lot of concern that they might actually act like pike and carve (chew) out a bigger place for themselves in the Utah Lake ecosystem.
There are more and more sightings and reported catches...from more and more different places around Utah Lake...and up into the tributaries. Who knows how many are now in the system and how much larger the population will grow? That is why DWR is taking an aggressive stance at studying them and determining how serious their problem might be.
The local media has done a good job of helping DWR get the word out on pike...and their potential for adversely affecting the sucker recovery program. Are there enough pike to make it worthwhile to pursue them? Possibly. If you work all the harbors and protected areas...especially if there is cover or structure...you have a reasonable shot at finding and catching a few. If you rig right, with the right lures and line, you will catch and net more than if you use flimsy tackle.
I am betting we learn a lot more about them both as angling targets and as predators on the Junies over the next year or so.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]