Northern Pike Sport Fisheries In Interior Alaska


	Pike Tackle & Techniques Although many of the tried and true, old standbys of yesteryear will work fine and catch pike, a couple new lures invented in the past decade or so appear to have stolen the show. Originally intended for the freshwater bass fisherman, anglers soon realized that other aggressive fish, both in fresh and saltwater, would succumb to the irresistibility of spinner baits and buzz baits. Most of the techniques for using spinner baits and buzz baits follow the same approach used for bass. And although pike can be taken on just about any color lure, those which have proved most effective on bass are just as likely to entice a lurking pike. Spinner baits work well in both shallow and deep water. Choose your colors according to the clarity of the water, whether clear or stained, and the light conditions, whether sunny or cloudy. Fish deeper if there is a lot of wind and chop on the lake. Early mornings will find fish in shallower water and moving off to the deeper edge of weed beds as the day warms up and gets brighter. Buzz baits work very well around lily pad beds and are retrieved near the surface, with the blade churning up a commotion which few large pike can resist if they have been approached without being disturbed. They can be very effective in the low light conditions of early morning or late evenings. Most typical bait casting outfits which can handle 10-20+ lb. fish will work fine. A good backbone in an 8' graphic rod will help penetrate bony jaws. Fishing line should be 17-25 lb. test to prevent breakoffs in weedy areas. A wire leader is not really necessary for spinner baits and buzz baits. Other lures may require a 6-9" 20# test wire leader to prevent pike's teeth from cutting the line. Fly Fishing Fishing for pike with a flyrod is a great thrill. Eight to ten weight rods typically used for Alaskan salmon species will work well on pike. Leader should be 25-30# test to prevent cutting by the fish's teeth. And perhaps the all 'round best pike fly I have come across is a white bunny hair leech about 4" long. Erratic stripping action will impart a wounded baitfish motion to the fly which is irresistible to most pike. Other patterns may be just as effective but be sure to tie up a handful of these if you are headed to pike country with your flyrod. And be sure to bring along a good pair of polarized sunglasses to cut the surface glare for sight casting. The Territory The best pike fishing regions are usually only accessible by boat or floatplane. Consider taking along a float-tube or belly boat. These take up little space in a plane or boat and can be a real asset when fish are holding on the outer edges of weed beds where wading access may be very limited. Pike fishing often requires covering a lot of shoreline during the day's outing. I've equipped all my float tubes with "suspenders" which allow me to wade most of the time and cover more area quicker. When the need arises I slip my fins on, sit down and head out to likely spots I can't normally reach. Float tubes also provide a comfortable seat, plenty of storage for tackle, thermos and your lunch. Its easy to find yourself a mile from your plane when it comes time to take a break and eat. I can't claim to be an expert on northern pike fishing in Alaska. But they are a species which is usually more than willing to bite if you can find them. The above suggestions will definitely point you in the right direction. Keep your hooks sharp, Klondike Kid
	Introduction Distribution in the Tanana River Valley Age & Size of Interior Alaska pike Spawning Biology Where Pike Hang Out Status of Tanana River pike fisheries The Minto Flats northern pike fishery Pike Conservation in Alaska How to Catch & Release Pike Tackle & Techniques
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Pike Tackle & Techniques