Pike anglers spearhead competition

If you love to fish for northern pike in the Idaho Panhandle and you want some friendly competition, join the club.

The North Idaho Pike Association will sponsor six pike tournaments for club members this season plus two open tournaments: June 3-4 at Noxon Reservoir and Sept. 30-Oct. 1 at Hayden Lake.

“We’re just a small group of fishermen who have a passion for pike fishing,” said co-organizer Brock Morrow of Hayden, noting that the club currently has fewer than 20 members.

“When people think of pike fishing they tend to think of 20-pound fish. But realistically, a 4-pounder is a good fish,” said Morrow.

“In our events the limit is four fish over 18 inches with only one over 32 inches,” he said. “It’s not uncommon to win an event with a four-fish creel of 16 pounds.”

During the competitions, the anglers fish with artificial lures, he said.

“These are great sport fish,” he added. “We have a lot of fun.”

Contacts: Brock Morrow, (208) 762-0648, or Bob Volz, (208) 623-2892.