Pike at UL????

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Northern pike are one of the "listed" species for Utah Lake. But they were introduced a long time ago and they have never been a major player in the lake fishery. I have heard of a few being caught over the years but nothing for a long time. Even the carp seiners do not report them.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I think the sudden and unexpected "recognition" by DWR is for two reasons. First, pike are an apex predator and with the June Sucker Recovery Program going full tilt they are trying to shut down every possible threat to the Junies. Pike are notorious suckers for suckers.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Second, DWR is working harder to make every "unapproved" species...in any water...a mandatory keep and kill thing. The burbot in Flaming Gorge is a good example.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Given the almost complete lack of recent captures of northern pike from Utah Lake, this new regulation reminds me of the old joke about "elephant repellent". When asked why he was scattering a box of powder around his property a man replied "Elephant repellent". His neighbor scoffed..."Ain't no elephants around here." The guy with the box nodded and said "See...this stuff really works."[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I look for snakeheads, alligator gars and African tiger fish to join northern pike on the list soon.[/#0000ff]
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