Northern Pike
Brief History
Northern pike (Esox lucius) is a species of carnivorous fish that is not native to Utah, but was illegally introduced to Utah Lake around 2010[1][2][5][6]. Northern pike are commonly found in moderately salty and fresh waters of North America[3]. Within North America, northern pike populations are found in many states including Utah[3]. Although northern pike in North America seldom reach the size of their European counterparts, they can grow up to 21 kg (46 lb) [3]. Northern pike are known for their predatory nature and ability to rapidly reproduce[6]. The illegal introduction of northern pike in Utah Lake brought immediate concern to fisheries managers and native species[1]. As a result, catch-and-kill orders were issued for northern pike in Utah Lake[1].
Citations:
[1] https://wildlife.utah.gov/hunting-in-utah/hunting-information/359-rac-members.html
[2] https://www.ksl.com/article/31289653/utah-field-guide-northern-pike
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_pike
[4] https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=676
[5] https://www.junesuckerrecovery.org/recovery-projects/managing-non-native-fish
[6] https://thefishingwire.com/war-on-pike-at-utah-lake/
Habitat
The northern pike (Esox lucius) is not native to the state of Utah, United States. It is primarily found in northern North America and parts of Europe and Asia. In the United States, northern pike are most commonly found in the northern states and their associated water bodies, such as the Great Lakes region, parts of the Midwest, and some northern states in the Northeast.
Utah, located in the western United States, does not have native populations of northern pike. However, there have been instances where northern pike have been illegally introduced into some Utah water bodies. The Utah Department of Natural Resources and wildlife agencies actively manage these invasive species to prevent their spread and minimize their impact on native ecosystems.
If you are interested in fishing for northern pike in Utah, I would strongly recommend checking with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or local fishing authorities for the most up-to-date information on the presence or management of northern pike in the state. It’s important to follow all regulations and guidelines to protect the local ecosystems and fisheries.
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How to Catch Northen Pike in Utah
Here are some common techniques for catching northern pike in Utah:
– Trolling with crankbaits or spoons – Trolling allows you to cover a lot of water to find where pike are hiding. Crankbaits and spoons in colors like red/white, black/silver, or firetiger are good lure choices.
– Casting jerkbaits – Jerkbaits that mimic injured baitfish are very effective lures for pike. Work them with a jerking retrieve with pauses in between.
– Jigging – Jigs tipped with a minnow or soft plastic trailer can be productive for pike. Vertical jigging or casting and slowly retrieving over weedy areas are good techniques.
– Still fishing with live bait – Using live bait like chubs, suckers, or ciscoes under a bobber or free lining allows you to present the bait naturally. This works well around weed edges and lily pads.
– Trolling large swimbaits – Big profile swimbaits up to 8-10 inches work well, especially early in the season. Troll along weedlines and points.
– Ice fishing – During the ice fishing season, tip-ups baited with live minnows, chubs, or suckers are effective. Electronics can help pinpoint suspended pike.
No matter the technique, focus on fishing in and around weedbeds, points, and drop-offs where pike like to ambush prey. Also be sure to use steel leaders to prevent line cuts.
Utah Fishing Regulations
Based on the 2023 Utah Fishing Guidebook, here are the state fishing regulations for northern pike in Utah:
– Daily Limit: 20 northern pike, but only 1 pike may be over 36 inches.
– There is no limit on northern pike at certain waters, including Utah Lake, its tributaries, the Colorado River, Green River, and specified tributaries. At these waters, anglers may not release any northern pike, which must be immediately killed. See the guidebook for the full list.
– Northern pike may be taken by angling, traps, bow and arrow, lifts nets, dip nets, cast nets, seines, spears, or crossbows.
– When fishing waters with special northern pike regulations, anglers must comply with those limits and rules rather than the statewide regulations. For example, at Utah Lake, all untagged northern pike must be immediately killed while tagged pike must be released.
– Northern pike are considered a game fish in Utah.
– It is illegal to transport or stock live northern pike without authorization from the Division of Wildlife Resources.
So in summary, the daily limit for northern pike is liberal at 20 statewide, but there are special regulations on certain watersrequiring immediate culling. Anglers targeting northern pike must review the specific rules for the water they are fishing.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on the 2023 Fishing Guidebook for Utah. Always check the official Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website or other authoritative sources for any updates or changes before going fishing. Fishing regulations may change, and it is the angler’s responsibility to be aware of current regulations.
Wiper Stocking Events
| Date stocked | Water Name Expanded | County | Species | Quantity | Average length |
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