Pike are an aggressive game fish that have migrated into some of the cool rivers and lakes of Washington. As of 2010, they are found mostly in the northeastern part the state and are popular among anglers for their aggressive strikes and lengthy fights. In addition to the spirit and skills these fighters display in the water, pike are quite tasty, and offer an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids along with other vital nutrients.
Identification
Pike are long, lean carnivorous fish with large mouths containing several viciously sharp teeth. They can grow to lengths of nearly six feet and weigh up to 60 pounds. Their large muscular bodies, rear set of pectoral fins and streamlined design make them extremely fast and powerful. Pike are typically green with either yellow stripes or spots. You can use the yellow markings to determine their age, as younger pike have stripes and older pike have spots.
Geography
Pike are not native to Washington State. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, pike came into Washington after being introduced to freshwater outlets of northern Idaho. As of 2010, most pike are found in the Box Canyon Reservoir just south of Metaline Falls, and the Pend Oreille and Spokane rivers. Because pike are highly aggressive, hearty fish, they are expected to continue to grow and expand into other areas of Washington State.
Technique
Because pike are such aggressive fish, they will hit most types of tackle. Jigs, spoons and flies are all viable tools when fishing for pike. Fresh bait and eggs are excellent additives to any lure setup. The key to catching pike is knowing where to look. They prefer the protected areas under logs, bank overhangs and muddy shallows. Cast your line near these areas and reel in, giving your tackle action by twitching the rod tip in different directions. Pike will often hit and miss only to return to the bait a second later, so if you get a bite and lose the fish, stay patient and try again.
Licensing
Anyone who fishes in the state of Washington must hold a fishing license issued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). These licenses are available at most sporting goods or hardware stores throughout the state. For pike fishing, get a freshwater license. Freshwater licenses are offered for single or multiple days, good for as long as a year. Each angler must carry his own license whenever he is fishing and must record and submit his catch numbers, even if he doesn't catch anything. These records help the WDFW manage fish populations throughout the state.
Preparation
One of the most common complaints about pike is the difficulty cooks encounter preparing the fish to eat. Pike have a series of "Y" bones that run down the length of their bodies, making typical cleaning more difficult. Though removing the "Y" bones before cooking is possible, it is much easier to take them out after the fish has been cooked. Simply fillet the pike as you would other fish, taking note of the location of the "Y" bones as you remove the meat. Cook the pike by baking, broiling to avoid the excessive fat of frying. Remove the bones after the meat is cooked to enjoy a delicious, bone-free meal.
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