Slot limits for Northern Pike on Ski' Lakes?

[Fishin_Jacks7]

I have always wondered...Why the DNR puts slot limits on Northern Pike on Ski' Lakes? Just wanna hear the thoughts out there because I feel like it hurts the muskie population maybe I'm wrong? I understand that obviously if the lake has muskies in it it should be a great pike lake too but what would be the right slot for pike in these cases... 24' to 36'....really?

[RK]

Hiya -

I think the general consensus from the biologists I know is that a population of small hammerhandle pike is far tougher on muskie populations than a pike population with larger mature fish. Part of what special regs like a 24-36 protected slot on pike are supposed to accomplish is protecting mid-size pike from harvest and limiting the numbers of juvenile fish in the system. Big pike seem to be a pretty critical population control on small pike.

The other thing is that in a lot of cases the lake characteristics that make a good muskie lake (larger, deeper, plus cold water forage like ciscoes and therefore ample deep water refuges during periods of high water temps) also make them good candidates for a good pike fishery with the potential for bigger fish. Special regs can help protect fish in the mid-size range so they can develop into 36" plus fish. The 24-36" one-over slot does seem to be the most useful slot for pike on a lot of lakes. Some eater size fish up to 24" are still eligible for harvest, plus anglers can keep one over 36" either for the table or the wall if they're so inclined. Plus it has been shown to be pretty effective in accomplishing the goals of the regs in terms of pike populations.

[Fishin_Jacks7]

Totally agree with the hammerhandles being hard on muskie population! I was on Big Mantrap and caught many small pike that seemed to be like "hammerhandle" kind but they were 23 1/2 to 25 inches and you can't keep 24-36 on that lake which was kind of disappointing to see... This is why I asked about the slot. Just wish I'd catch bigger pike instead of the little ones that are hard on the Ski's especially on a lake like Big Man.

[mn_bowhunter]

I fish mantrap a lot and find many pike in the slot. A local guide and myself have seen a noticeable shift to smaller pike out there, but that's just our observations. I think it could be just a strong year class coming through based on what we've seen the last couple years. I did see my biggest pike out there a few weeks ago that was very close to 40".