A Brief History of Pike in the Fulton Chain of Lakes Fisheries
Pest Control with Unforeseen Consequences
The Fulton Chain of Lakes has a long history of being a prime fishing destination for species like rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, and lake trout. However, the introduction of chemical pesticides like DDT in an effort to control black fly populations has had lasting and unfortunate consequences. The pesticide, once commonly used around the region, led to contamination of lake trout with DDT, which has persisted in the waters for decades. This ongoing chemical presence has resulted in a fish advisory warning against eating lake trout, especially from Fourth Lake, due to the continued presence of DDT in the fish. As a result, natural reproduction of lake trout in these waters has been severely limited, and their population has dwindled over time.
The Introduction of the Tiger Musky
In 1990, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) introduced tiger muskellunge (a hybrid between northern pike and muskellunge) into First Lake as a measure to control the overpopulation of golden shiners, which were wreaking havoc on the local ecosystem. The tiger muskellunge thrived in the lake, growing rapidly, with some reaching sizes of 12 to 15 pounds in just five years. These hybrid fish were not capable of reproducing, meaning their population would naturally decline after seven or eight years if not regularly restocked. Over time, the tiger muskellunge spread through the entire Fulton Chain, even moving downstream into the Moose River. To sustain the population, the DEC continues to stock approximately 2,800 10-inch tiger muskellunge into First Lake every year.
Though the smaller tiger muskellunge were relatively easy for anglers to catch, it became increasingly difficult to land the larger specimens. A few savvy fishermen discovered that by using big, noisy topwater plugs or spinnerbaits after dark, they could catch the larger fish. But as the tiger muskellunge population declined and the effects of overfishing took hold, they became less common in the chain.
Unauthorized Northern Pike in the Fulton Chain of Lakes
While the DEC was actively stocking tiger muskellunge to control the shiner population, some local anglers took matters into their own hands. Inspired by the success of tiger muskellunge stocking, they decided to introduce northern pike into the Fulton Chain of Lakes, hoping to enhance their fishing experience. These anglers argued that stocking pike wouldn’t cause any harm since the DEC had already introduced a similar species.
However, these unauthorized northern pike were not sterile, unlike the tiger muskellunge, and they quickly began to reproduce, leading to a rapid population explosion. The pike spread throughout the chain, eventually reaching Fifth Lake. With no natural competition, the pike thrived, and their numbers grew rapidly. As they populated the lakes, they consumed the forage fish species that once thrived in the chain, including those that had been stocked for tiger muskellunge. The unchecked population of pike began to decimate the local food chain, and even the tiger muskellunge became prey for the growing pike population, especially in areas where the pike were most abundant.
The Pike Take Over
Today, the effects of the unauthorized introduction of northern pike are evident. Although rainbow trout and salmon are still occasionally stocked in parts of the Fulton Chain, the pike population has continued to thrive, leaving little room for other species to establish themselves. While tiger muskellunge are now rarely seen in catches, large northern pike have become the main target for anglers. These pike, now reaching 20 pounds and beyond, have become a dominant force in the Fulton Chain’s fishing community.
Local newspapers regularly feature pictures of these massive pike, many of which are caught just off the docks and waterfronts in Old Forge or along the Fulton Chain of Lakes. Anglers targeting these giant pike now need heavy-duty tackle to avoid being snapped off by these powerful predators. The legacy of introducing northern pike into the Fulton Chain has reshaped the lake’s ecosystem, leaving a lasting impact on the local fishing scene.
Outcompeting the Competition
Claire Hayes, a local fisherwoman, has had an incredible run of luck when it comes to northern pike fishing in the Fulton Chain of Lakes. A few years ago, she went out early one morning with Kerry Rogers, a local guide, and caught several impressive northern pike, including one that measured 33 inches. Naturally, she was thrilled with her catch. The following year, her luck seemed to multiply when she went fishing with Kerry again. This time, she landed two monster pike: the first weighed about 15 pounds, and just a few casts later, she landed another one that tipped the scale at 19 pounds. Clearly, Claire was enjoying her time on the water, and with pike this big, she couldn’t help but dream of one even larger.
Kerry Rogers, a seasoned pike angler, shared his tips for landing these legendary fish. According to Kerry, some of the best lures for northern pike are imitation swimming frogs or mouse topwater lures. He also recommends Rapala imitation perch or smelt stickbaits, which are particularly effective. To ensure a successful catch, he uses a steel leader or 50 lb. Power Pro line as a tippet, explaining that pike will likely bite almost anything—he joked that a beer can might even do the trick!
Summer in the Shallows
Since northern pike are a warm-water species, they tend to stay in the shallows during the summer months, where they lie in ambush, waiting for prey to swim by. Many anglers, like the author, have startled pike while checking on the local loon population. As they paddled through shallow bays, large pike would make dramatic swirls in the water as they darted away into deeper areas.
The best time to fish for pike is in the early morning when the water is calm, and there’s little boat traffic. During these quiet hours, anglers have the lake all to themselves. Given the size of northern pike, which can swallow a small duck or baby muskrat in one gulp, it’s essential to use large lures to match their appetite.
The Early Bird get the Pike
When fishing for northern pike, heavy-duty gear is a necessity. The author recalls a fishing trip to Lake Chibougamau in northern Quebec, where he witnessed a 35-pound pike take a muskrat. After an epic struggle, the fish broke free from the stringer—a lesson in how even the most expertly caught pike can escape. The same goes for fishing in the Fulton Chain of Lakes, where pike’s sharp teeth can easily cut through spinning lines. Wire leaders are often recommended, as pike are notorious for severing lines with their powerful bites.
When fishing in shallow areas, it’s important not to spook the pike. These fish are stealthy predators and will often lie just below the surface, blending in with their surroundings.
Heavy Duty Gear is a Necessity
Pike fishing in the Fulton Chain of Lakes isn’t just a summer sport. Many anglers also enjoy the thrill of ice fishing. One morning, while checking on the local loon population, the author came across a fisherman who had been using live bait. The man mentioned that he had caught a few smaller pike, but more impressively, he had hauled in a 25-pound pike through the ice during winter.
Ice fishing for pike is especially effective with live bait. Some anglers even use large minnows, ensuring that the flag length on their tip-ups is adjusted to avoid prematurely tripping the flag.
Winter Ice Fishing Northern Pike
Early one morning while checking on the local loon population, I saw a fellow who was still fishing with live bait not far off the main channel in one of the Fulton Chain of Lakes. I asked him how he was doing, and he said that he had caught a couple small pike about 5 pounds but during the winter right in this spot he had taken a 25 pound pike through the ice on a tip-up.
Fishing for pike in the Fulton Chain of Lakes is not just a summer sport, and many nice fish are taken during the winter through the ice using big live bait. With some of the bait I’ve seen people use, you would have to shorten your flag length on the tip-up so the minnow wouldn’t trip the flag.
Ice Fishing Northern Pike in the Fulton Chain
Moving Forward
Though some anglers are skeptical about the introduction of northern pike in the Fulton Chain of Lakes, there’s no denying that these fish are here to stay. As invasive species, pike have had a significant impact on the local ecosystem, but they continue to provide sport for anglers willing to embrace the challenge. Whether you’re fishing for fun or sport, the chance to catch one of these massive pike is always there, as Claire Hayes’ experience shows. So, grab your gear and head out onto the water—who knows, you may just land a monster pike like she did.
Original Article By Gary Lee
About the Author
Gary Lee is a retired NYS Forest Ranger and licensed guide. He writes a column in the Weekly Adirondack and is co-author of Adirondack Birding. He is an active volunteer with the Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program. Follow Gary on twitter @eightacrewoodm1.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
