The Pend Oreille River has an unbelievable population of Northern Pike that is expanding faster than is healthy for the ecosystem. The management of the fishery is being monitored, researched and implemented by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in conjunction with the Kalispell Tribe. Many studies have been done or are on going to estimate the growing population of Pike and their effect on the other species whom share the waters. Many sports fisherman are like wise watching the process and enjoying the great fishing. The Northern Pike are not native to Washington State and present huge challenges for those whom manage our resources. Resent articles have been written in the local newspapers which have fisherman up in arms over proposed methods of controlling the growing population. Fisherman are directly or indirectly funding the management through purchase of their fishing licenses or other forms of taxation. They want their voices heard and opinions known, as well they should. I strongly urge all those whom wish to be heard, contact your representatives right now and speak your mind. In order to be effective and persuasive, research the facts and form your educated opinion.
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ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this. I love to fish for large northern pike here in Colorado but the state would just as soon see them gone. Large predator fish require more management and even systematic culling at times to keep existing fish populations viable. Best of luck to Pend Oreille River and a balanced trophy pike population.
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