Almost all fishermen know and would recognize a northern pike. Esox lucius as scientists know it, it is a species that can be found in the far reaches of North America, Europe, and Asia. As a fierce predator with the potential to grow large (supposedly 150 centimeters and 35 kilograms), the Northern Pike attracts its fair share of interest and many devotees of angling.
Few fishermen will know so much about the Amur Pike. Esox reichertii It is a species in its own right, but what makes it different and where are they found?
The Amur River is one of the great rivers of Asia. It flows for more than 4000 kilometers (taking the longest tributary), and eventually empties into the Pacific Ocean near the Strait of Tartary, the narrow sea between the Siberian mainland and the island of Sakhalin. In part, it forms the border between the Russian Federation and China, an area that remained in dispute until the last century.
The Amur River has several major tributaries, including the Songhua, Argun, Shilka, and Onon rivers.
The Amur River system is truly diverse, running through desert, tundra, taiga, and steppe. Many species have significant Amur variation, including the Amur tiger (larger than the Bengal tiger, with a distinctive white winter coat), the Amur cork oak (used in traditional Chinese medicine), and the Amur pike.
The Amur Pike is very similar to the Northern Pike in its habitat and lifestyle. It is also a predator, preferring to ambush vegetation and hunt smaller fish in the water and frogs, rodents, and small birds on the surface.
The Amur Pike does not reach the same size as the Northern Pike, but it can still reach a size that makes it an attractive target for anglers. The largest recorded measures 115 centimeters and 20 kilograms; that’s 45 inches and 44 pounds in old money).
The main distinguishing feature is the skin pattern. Amur Pike are covered in dark spots; hence its other name: Black-spotted Lucio.
The Amur Pike are native to the Amur River Basin and Sakhalin Island. Specimens can be found in lakes in the region, especially meandering lakes that were obviously part of the river system at some point in the not-so-distant past.
Many of the rivers in the Russian Federation are intensively fished with nets, reducing the chances that pole and line fishermen will want a good sport. Some of the best Amur Pike fishing takes place along the Onon River in Mongolia, which is well protected by poor access.
Amur Pike was introduced to Glendale Lake, Pennsylvania in the late 1960s. However, the population disappeared in the summer of 76.
Amur Pike is an exotic alternative to Northern Pike for the serious pike devotee looking for an overseas mission. There is no need for any special equipment or any restrictions on the methods to be used. Live or dead baits are accepted; so are decoys. Fly fishing for pike is gaining popularity and it would be worth a try, especially since the same rivers also contain Taimen, the largest of the salmonids. A catch and release policy is not mandatory, but is recommended.