| Many people believe that northern pike is a native | | | | the numbers of the fish in balance. If you have |
| species in Alaska. While this is partly true, they | | | | spent some time on a fishing vacation at an |
| are in fact also considered to be an invasive | | | | Alaska fishing lodge in the northern parts of |
| species to the region south and east of the | | | | Alaska you know that there are plenty of other |
| Alaska Mountain Range. Illegal stocking of this | | | | large and aggressive fish along with the pike. |
| predator fish is threatening Alaska's precious | | | | In the region of Alaska where northern pike are |
| resource in both fish habitat and the fishing | | | | naturally found, sport fishing has much to offer. |
| industry. Sport fishing, like that done from Alaska | | | | There is no feeling like pulling back on your fishing |
| fishing lodges, brings major dollars into Alaska's | | | | rod and reel and yelling "fish on". These are big |
| economy. | | | | fish that give fishermen a good fight. It's this |
| Primarily it is young salmon and trout whose | | | | aggressive characteristic of pike that makes them |
| populations are being decimated by the appetite | | | | go after artificial lures, spoons, spinners and flies |
| and hunting skills of the northern pike. If not | | | | that have some action to them. The more that |
| controlled their numbers could dwindle to the point | | | | your bait moves, the more it stimulates the pike |
| that drastic measures are taken. These measures | | | | into striking. Think largemouth bass on steroids. |
| could include a number of things from restricted | | | | Together we can continue to enjoy experiences |
| fishing to poisoning of entire lakes, like has | | | | like this at Alaska's fishing lodges, charters, and |
| happened at Lake Davis in California. The bottom | | | | guides for many centuries to come. |
| line is that not protecting Alaska's native species | | | | First and foremost in the solution is the |
| could mean serious consequences for sport | | | | knowledge of what dangers lie in illegal stocking. |
| fishermen and would trickle to all other peoples | | | | Take care not to transport northern pike or any |
| and businesses related to fishing in Alaska. | | | | other fish species, from one body of water to |
| You might ask yourself why other species of fish | | | | another. Remember to keep all pike caught in |
| are not in danger in parts of Alaska where the | | | | Southcentral Alaska in that region. Your fishing |
| northern pike is naturally found. The answer is | | | | regulations may have more on this. The second is |
| balance. The ecosystem in those parts is filled | | | | taking action so this does not happen anymore. |
| with other species of fish that survive and thrive | | | | You can make a difference by reporting any |
| with the pike. Whitefish, sheepish, suckers, | | | | activity of illegal stocking at once to your local |
| stickleback and others exist in balance. There are | | | | ADF&G office. You could also call Fish and |
| natural predators of the pike, which help to keep | | | | Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377. |