Pike Reproduction?

[Mink]

I know the state has successfully introduced Northern Pike in some NJ waters. I was wondering if there is any natural reproduction going on. Years ago I had heard rumors about one body of water but it was never confirmed.

[Bucksnbows]

Yes, I know for example that Smoke Rise Lake in Kinnelon has or had natural reproduction.  Pines Lake is Wayne does as well just to name two.  Both are private, however.  I'm sure there are many, many more.  I do know some lakes don't see reproduction, but I can't say I know enough why that is.  Smoke Rise used to exchange pike for largemouth bass from High Crest Lake in West Milford in the early 70s which is not kosher, but I know it was a thing.  We caught some monster pike, but they never reproduced in High Crest where I grew up.  Plenty of good habitat, but perhaps the stream that filled it was far too small for spawning, that I don't know.   

[GhostBear]

Think they reproduce in the pompton River as well.

[JHbowhunter]

They been stocking Cranberry Lake in Sussex County for many years with fingerlings but I don’t think even they do very well and I seriously doubt they reproduce here. 

[Bucksnbows]

Budd Lake is another. That lake has natural reproduction.


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[outdoorslife]

9 hours ago, Bucksnbows said:

Budd Lake is another. That lake has natural reproduction.


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Yup it was years ago but Ive caught them around the rock wall while fishing for lm bass. I forgot the name of the main road and marina in that general vicinity. 

[Mink]

Some great information guys, thanks! 

[Mink]

Interesting that there is very little information from F+G on natural reproduction of Northern Pike in NJ. They say it's sustains itself by collecting eggs from donors and raising them. Good to hear that some reproduction goes on.

[Rusty]

On 6/11/2018 at 7:26 PM, Mink said:

I know the state has successfully introduced Northern Pike in some NJ waters. 

Now who would go and do a thing like that?  

[Bucksnbows]

10 minutes ago, Rusty said:

Now who would go and do a thing like that?  

Ah yes, hair.  I too can remember when the top of my head looked like a mop. 

[Bucksnbows]

14 hours ago, Mink said:

Interesting that there is very little information from F+G on natural reproduction of Northern Pike in NJ. They say it's sustains itself by collecting eggs from donors and raising them. Good to hear that some reproduction goes on.

True, but you won't find them writing articles about natural reproduction of walleyes, small and largemouth bass, bluegills, etc. and all of those are introduced species to NJ waters.  

[Bucksnbows]

Some pike info:

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/artearlypike06.htm

I know this article drove a lot of interest in our pike fishery:

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/artpassaicpike13.htm

 

[Rusty]

On 6/11/2018 at 9:23 PM, Bucksnbows said:

Budd Lake is another. That lake has natural reproduction.

We found juvenile Pike in Budd Lake when we electrofished it back when I had hair.  

Edited June 17, 2018 by Rusty

[Bucksnbows]

2 hours ago, Rusty said:

We found juvenile Pike in Budd Lake when we electrofished it back when I had hair.  

That's one of the lakes they now capture pike each spring immediately after ice out each year to bring back to Hackettstown hatchery to spawn.  

[Lonewolf76]

I’ve caught more Pike this year than any other caught 3 in on day, think anout 8 for the year! Not what Im fishing for.  “Bycatch” lol