As the lasting effects of winter begin to wear off and spring sets in, large fish are on the move in Connecticut.
Late winter brings on the spawning season for our largest fresh water game fish, the northern pike.
Flooded marshes and grasses serve as ideal locations for these fish to deposit and fertilize their eggs as water temperatures reach 40 degrees. At this time of year DEP Fisheries managers monitor key marshes and their water levels to enhance survival of young pike in order to promote the increasing Northern pike fishery in Connecticut. The Northern pike, a native of northern Europe, the northern United States and all of Canada, grows to lengths over 40 inches and may weigh over 30 pounds. In Connecticut, pike often reach 10 pounds and occasionally exceed 20 pounds. Pike have been in the Connecticut River since the mid-1800's.