Northern Pike, \u3ci\u3eEsox lucius\u3c/i\u3e, in Alkaline Lakes of Nebraska

Pike (Esox lucius) were studied in alkaline sandhill lakes from 1956 through 1961. Fry and fingerlings were released in alkaline environments as part of a continuing ecological study of survival and growth of northern pike in Nebraska waters. Survival and growth were determined by intensive nettings at release sites. Chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of each lake were investigated (Table 1). The majority of the nearly 2,000 Nebraska sandhill lakes may be classified as alkaline eutrophic of the bicarbonate-sulfate group (McCarraher). Salts other than chlorides predominate in these natural lakes supporting a biota somewhat different from inland chloride or saline waters. The sandhill lakes differ chemically from inland mineral areas in other regions (Rawson and Moore, 1944; Huntsman, 1922; Moyle, 1956; Young, 1924.)