4/4/15 Increase in pike - Quinhagak, Alaska, USA
Observation: Pike caught on the main river with rod and reel while fishing for trout on the Kanektok River near the Simon's Fish Camp. Trout appears to have bite marks on it's body and tail. Pike are becoming more common in our river and the population of pike seems to be getting bigger. Trout is an important food source to our community and pike pose a real threat to the fish in the Kanektok River system. How would we be able to adapt to this specific problem? What are some ways other communities with pike invading their rivers done to alleviate this problem? Stephan Jones, Environmental Specialist, Native Village of Kwinhagak.
Consult: This post has been shared with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for consultation. According to ADFG biologist Krissy Dunker, "norther pike (Esox lucius) are a native species in that region. They are native to most of Alaska, just not the southcentral part of the state (South and east of the Alaska Mountain Range) and are a natural member of fish community. I don’t have enough information to comment on whether trout declines there are related to increases in pike abundance. It might be natural a fluctuation or something else may be contributing.
LEO says: An January 2013 Associated Press article reported on the problems related to invasive pike in Southcentral Alaska.
Resource:
Observations From Members 