New Mexico investigates mysterious pike

There are many amongst this newspaper's loyalists who treasure a battle with the great northern pike.

We even go to great lengths by traveling hundreds of miles into the bush to secure memories of those battles.

But that's not the case in New Mexico.

From the Santa Fe New Mexican comes the following story by outdoor columnist Tom Sharpe: It appears some “bucket biologists” may have been at work at northern New Mexico's Eagle Nest Lake, after a teen caught a small northern pike there last week the first time the species has been confirmed in the reservoir.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the illegal stocking.

Sounds a bit like the walleye issue in Lake Michigan's Indiana waters.

Fishing update:

Don't let lower water levels stop you from chasing muskies on the Fox Chain. Persistent fishermen are managing to find muskies on Bluff Lake and Channel Lake. In fact, Channel Lake walleye action is very good.

Fox River: Improved smallmouth activity near Batavia and South Elgin.

Bangs Lake: Largemouth bassing slow, but bluegill fishing is excellent.

Lake Michigan: Look for improved perch fishing from now through perhaps this weekend.

• Mike Jackson can be reached by e-mail at angler88@att.net. Mike's radio program is broadcast 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC, AM-1240.