The Age and Growth of Pike Esox Lucius from Four Irish Trout Rivers

Abstract

Age and growth of pike Esox lucius L. taken by electrical fishing in four typical Irish trout rivers were determined,using isometric axis of scales. Age data showed that young pike dominated in catches in all four rivers. Very few pike older than four years were captured. Growth of pike in these rivers was compared with earlier results obtained for lake pike. River pike were much smaller than fish of similar age from the larger limestone lakes. Tag and recapture data from the Camlin river, confirmed that mean growth results were very similar to back-calculated means per year class. Data showed little movement of pike within this system and that electrical fishing was reasonably efficient for clearance of coarse fish in shallow trout waters. Stomach contents of pike taken in Robe and Camlin rivers were qualitatively analysed.