Key points
- Threat: Voracious apex predators that feed heavily on native salmonids, including Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and juvenile Bull Trout .
- Habitat: Prefer slow-moving, weedy backwaters, sloughs, and connected river floodplains. Found in the lower connected reaches of the Kootenay River .
- Tactics: Aggressive strikers. Targeted using large, wire-leader rigs with flash streamers, spoons, or topwater walk-the-dog lures.
Regulations (Region 4, 2025–2027)
- Closed default: The regional default limit is 0 (CLOSED) to discourage transport and illegal introduction .
- Eradication Limits: In the lower connected reach of the Kootenay River (downstream of Brilliant Dam to the Columbia), daily quotas are unlimited to encourage maximum angler harvest and suppression .
Open questions
- The effectiveness of current suppression measures in preventing pike from establishing dominant populations in the upper wetland systems.
Related
- Kootenay River — threat area.
- Largemouth Bass — shares warmwater habitats.
- Baitfish & Fry — forage base.
