New Regulations Aimed at Growing Bigger Pike – from Tom Conroy
Beginning in May, 2003, the DNR will implement special northern pike regulations on an additional 30 to 50 Minnesota inland lakes. Currently, there are special northern pike regulations on 32 Minnesota lakes.
The special regulations are intended to help grow bigger northern pike in these lakes. Hammer-handle northern pike have become the norm in many Minnesota lakes over the past several decades, for a variety of reasons.
Following a public input process that began in 1999, it was decided to implement one of three special regulations on selected lakes that have been determined to be capable of growing big pike. The three categories of special regulations are:
A 24 to 36-inch protected slot in which all fish between 24 and 36 inches must be immediately released.
Daily and possession limit of 3, with only one over 36 inches.
A 30-inch minimum in which all fish less than 30 inches must be immediately returned. Daily and possession limit of one fish.
A 40-inch minimum in which all fish less than 40 inches must be immediately released. Daily and possession limit of one fish.
Initially, DNR fisheries managers looked at biological conditions to identify those lakes where it would be possible to grow big pike. That list was then pared down to 77, from which 30 to 50 will be selected.
Beginning this spring, those lakes being considered for a special regulation will be posted to notify anglers and area citizens. DNR fisheries managers will also be contacting lake associations, landowners, resorts, bait shops and anglers to provide information and gather additional public input. This will be followed by more public input meetings during the fall of 2002.
The new regulations will go into effect on the 2003 fishing opener. Check the list of the lakes and the regulations being considered.
Ron Payer, DNR Division of Fisheries Director, recognizes the desire of many Minnesota anglers to have bigger northern pike to catch. “We’re optimistic that this is going to help restore some big pike to Minnesota’s lakes,” Payer said.
The DNR is defining a large northern pike as in the 30 to 40-inch range and a trophy pike as one more than 40 inches. A 30-inch pike will weigh in the neighborhood of six to seven pounds and a 40-inch pike as one around 15 to 18 pounds.
