Natural Reproducing Pike
 

With all the Pike that the State has been stocking in different bodies of water, I was wondering if there has been any reproduction going on ? Years ago it was rumored that Farrington had some but I don't know if it was ever confirmed .

Re: Natural Reproducing Pike
 

Mark B. said of all the fish stocked by the state of New Jersey, not one reproduces except Lake Trout. You see them strip the eggs from walleye and muskies every year and bring them back to the hatchery.

Re: Natural Reproducing Pike
 

Thanks buddy!

Re: Natural Reproducing Pike
 

I have seen a handful of pictures this year of what look like hybrid pike pickerels. They look really cool. Basically the pike coloration in a chain pattern.

Re: Natural Reproducing Pike
 

Although with that being said there is natural reproduction in New Jersey of sunfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, carp, American shad, Gizzard shad, river herring, lamprey and striped bass just to name a few. (and the state does stock bass and catfish, so go figure)

Re: Natural Reproducing Pike
 

You would think with all the different type bodies of water that are stocked a few would match the criteria for what they need .
The State must of thought that it was possible when they started , because one of the reasons for the Tiger Musky was that being a hy brid it wasn't going to reproduce and the population could easily be controlled .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnVc1MyWqhw

Re: Natural Reproducing Pike
 

I'd be very surprised if nature wasn't finding a way, because it always does....I've seen things (like fish much smaller than they stock) that lead me to believe there is some reproduction happening, might not be that successful but i'm sure it's happening...

Re: Natural Reproducing Pike
 

It's my opinion that there is at least some natural reproduction of pike in NJ waters. Judging by where I see juveniles, I believe they are reproducing in the Passaic. In addition, there is a reservoir that has a prohibition on fishing that is full of pike. Unless someone else other than the state stocks them, they have to be reproducing.

Re: Natural Reproducing Pike
 

Why would pike (or walleye) be any different than brown trout or rainbows that have established wild populations from prior stockings? Smallmouths aren't native to NJ, they started as stockies at some point too.

Too many variables to say a patent answer of no.

Re: Natural Reproducing Pike
 

I have to agree guys . Look at the many lakes in Pa., many of which are man made where Pike have been introduced and now have become established. No reason why it shouldn't have happened in NJ.