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Spear in the ready position
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The last time you tried something new, did you have a hint of apprehension, or at least a little adrenaline rush triggered by anticipation?
Whether it’s a new recipe for venison or test-driving a used car, you never know exactly what to expect, until you try.
While darkhouse spearfishing in North Dakota has little to do with culinary skills or a used car lot, it’s one of those new experiences that warranted some apprehension, and generated anticipation when it was first allowed a few years ago.
Anglers, fisheries managers, and even people who don’t fish had many questions when darkhouse spearfishing, with northern pike the primary quarry, began in December 2001. As the fourth season begins December 1 this year, those charged with monitoring and evaluating spearfishing have a better understanding of the myths and realities of spearing in North Dakota waters.
Issues to consider
Terry Steinwand, North Dakota Game and Fish Department fisheries division chief, says “Reviews from the public on darkhouse spearfishing are mostly good. But some people are concerned that spearers are taking all the big pike from those lakes where the activity is allowed.”
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Patience is a must
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Information we’ve collected indicates darkhouse spearfishing is not changing the northern pike size structure on most lakes, Steinwand said. “As we learn more about the impacts on the pike population in a given lake, we will make adjustments if necessary,” he said. “Going into this we studied other states and were able to address the potential challenges of implementing a spearing season as mandated by the legislative session.”
A cautious approach is evident as spearfishing for northern pike is currently allowed in only 28 lakes. Pike are the only game fish spearers are allowed to take. Nongame fish like carp and buffalo are also legal, but seldom pursued.
The season runs Dec. 1-Feb. 28, not long by any means, but realistically most people stop spearing well before the season ends. As winter progresses and lake ice gets deeper, cutting the large holes necessary for spearing, and removing several cubic feet of ice in large chunks, becomes an exhausting task.
Water clarity was another consideration. Each water body is unique. Some lakes with seemingly acceptable water clarity may become cloudy, making spearing difficult. In such cases, there is concern that lakes maintaining clear water through the winter attract more than their share of spearing pressure.
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An unsuspecting pike comes in
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While many open-water and ice anglers take exception to spearing, spearing was mandated by the legislature and Game and Fish has worked diligently in designing a season that is practical, provides opportunities in most areas of the state for darkhouse spearing, and still protects the resource.
Spearing is covered under the regular fishing license, but people who want to spear must register with Game and Fish. Registration is free and available at the Department’s website, discovernd.com/gnf, and allows the Department to monitor the number of registered spearers and follow up with surveys to track success.
Spearing is open to residents, as well as nonresidents whose states allow North Dakota residents to spear. Of North Dakota’s border states, South Dakota and Montana allow spearing by nonresidents, Minnesota does not.
Some numbers
In 2002 more than 1,600 people registered to darkhouse spearfish, compared to 1,255 in the inaugural 2001-02 season. Seventy-four percent indicated that they actually ventured onto the ice and tried their luck.
In 2002-03, participants took nearly 5,200 pike through the ice, while less than 2 percent of survey respondents said they speared rough fish.
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A nice eating pike
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The average weight of pike harvested was between 6-7 pounds. What has been found over the years is that overall pike harvest from darkhouse spearfishing is limited, especially when compared to traditional winter or summer angling.
I’ve tried darkhouse spearing and enjoyed it. Steinwand sums it up: “Darkhouse spearfishing provides another opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy North Dakota. What we are hearing from the people doing it, is that they really enjoy it.”
Spearing certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve never tried it, don’t let the apprehensions dictate the outcome.
List of lakes open to darkhouse spearfishing for northern pike
Beaver Lake, Logan County
BuffaloLake,Sargent County
Buffalo Lodge, Lake McHenry County
Carpenter Lake, RolettCounty
Cavanaugh Lake, Ramsey County
Coal Mine Lake, Sheridan County
Coldwater Lake, McIntosh County
Cottonwood Lake, Williams County
Devils Lake, Benson/Ramsey County
Diamond Lake, LaMoure County
Dry/Goose Lake, McIntosh County
Etta/Alkaline Complex, Kidder County
Flood Lake, LaMoure County
Grass Lake, Richland County
Horsehead Lake, Kidder County
Juanita Lake, Foster County
Lake Laretta, Nelson County
Mallard Marsh, Stutsman County
Morrison Lake, Ramsey County
Powers Lake, Burke County
Rice Lake, Emmons County
Round Lake, Kidder County
School Section, Rolette County
Silver Lake, Benson County
Spiritwood Lake, Stutsman County
Stanley Reservoir, Mountrail County
Sweetwater Lake, Ramsey County
Tioga Reservoir, Williams County
West Napoleon Complex , Logan County
Lake Sakakawea from Garrison Dam to Highway 85 bridge at Williston
Lake Oahe from South Dakota border to McLean Bottoms boat ramp
Leier is a biologist with the Game and Fish Dept. He can be reached via email: dleier@state.nd.us
Photo credits to the ND Game and Fish Department
