Northern Pike Identification
When pursuing Northern Pike you must be able to identify your target properly. Below is some information to help you familiarize with what Northern Pike may look like from above the water when you are bowfishing. As always, if you are unsure of your target don’t shoot!
The take of Northern Pike by archery equipment, a relatively new law initiated and changed by the DOW itself; went into effect January 1st 2011 as noted in Chapter 1 #103 of the fishing regulations. This is a gone awry species according to the DOW. Given this is a new law and each lake has the ability to override this regulation be sure to review Chapter 1 #108 as well as checking with lake/property authorities before attempting to harvest this species at any body of water.
NOTE: Northern Pike are excellent to eat! After harvesting one take care to keep it cool and in a live well if you have one.
Also familiarize yourself with species identification for Northern Pike and do not mistake a Northern Pike for a Tiger Muskie which is NOT legal to harvest. Here are some links for species identification:
- http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/SpeciesID/
- http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fish/northern/biology.html
- http://www.identicards.com/allaboutfreshwaterfish/pike.htm
- http://www.muskie411.com/fishid.html
