Virtually every angler knows and would recognize a northern pike. esox lucius as it is known to scientists, it is a species that can be found in North America, Europe and Asia. As a fierce predator with the potential to grow large (reportedly 150 centimeters and 35 kilograms), the northern pike attracts its fair share of interest and many fishing devotees.
Few anglers will know as much about the Amur Pike. Esox reichertii it’s 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 4,000 kilometers (taking the longest tributary), finally emptying into the Pacific Ocean near the Strait of Tartary, the narrow sea between the Siberian mainland and the island of Sakhalin. Part of its length forms the border between the Russian Federation and China, an area that remained disputed 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, passing 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 in 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 measured 115 centimeters and 20 kilograms; that’s 45 inches and 44 pounds in old money).
The main distinguishing feature is the pattern of the skin. Amur Pike are covered with dark spots; hence its other name – Black-spotted Pike.
The Amur pike is only native to the Amur basin and Sakhalin Island. Specimens can be found in lakes in the region, especially oxbow lakes that were obviously part of the river system at some point in the not too distant past.
Many of the rivers in the Russian Federation are heavily netted, which reduces the chances of pole and line fishermen looking for a good sport. Some of the best fishing for Amur pike 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 stock ran out in the summer of ’76.
Amur Pike is an exotic alternative to Northern Pike for serious pike devotees looking for a mission abroad. There is no need for any special equipment, nor is there any restriction on the methods to be used. Live or dead baits are accepted; so are lures. Pike fly fishing is catching on and would be worth a try, especially since the same rivers are also home to Taimen, the largest of salmonids. A catch and release policy is not required, but is recommended.