Analysis of Factors Affecting Growth of Northern Pike in Minnesota

摘要

Age and growth data from 3,713 fish sampled during 112 lake surveys conducted in1990 were analyzed to identify factors that affected growth rates of northern pike Esox licius. Small, young northern pike grew fastest in shallow, fertile lakes with long growing seasons. Data from a fishing contest in the Park Rapids area indicated that most large northern pike were caught in lakes with deep water and cisco Coregonus artedii. Bioenergetic modeling indicated that summer water temperature and population density affect growth rates of northern pike. Reduced growth rates at high population densities result in poor size structures. Statewide quartiles of northern pike growth as functions of age and size were calculated and presented as a method for comparing growth rates.