Eric and Zac catch pike, sans Carp

June 01, 2009|by Eric Sowl

It's a three-mile hike to Redshirt Lake. (KTUU-TV)

REDSHIRT LAKE, Alaska — About 70 miles north of Anchorage, off the Parks Highway, you'll find Nancy Lake State Recreation Area.

Photojournalist Zac Gooch and I were headed for Redshirt Lake and a canoe trip in search of northern pike. This is Zac's first pike fishing trip.

We started at Tippecanoe, which rents canoes. Basically, you stop and pay your fee, pick up a key, paddles and life vest, and then walk in. Once you reach the lake, your key will unlock a canoe and you're ready to go.

The three-mile hike is relatively easy, with plenty of scenery on a well-groomed trail. There are a lot of bugs, so bring bug repellant.

Redshirt Lake used to be a good lake for rainbow trout fishing. But in the 1980s, northern pike moved in and now, that's all you'll catch.

We're not using treble hooks, because a treble hook can be tricky to get out of a pike s mouth.

"You can see all the weeds," I say to Zac. "That s where we want to be."

My worry is that the pike will be shy because of the Memorial Day weekend fishing, but that quickly evaporates.

"Got one!" Zac says. "First pike ever!"

They aren't big but they are biting.

"Just a little guy," I say, and, channeling Carp, "Tell you big brother."

Even saying Carp's name out loud doesn't stop the fish from biting.

"I caught my first pike, got bitten up pretty bad -- but it was worth it, for sure," Zac says. "I mean look at it!"

All that's left now is the trail home.

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