The amur pike (Esox reicherti Dybowski) in Fishes of the Amur Basin (results of the Ichthylogical Expedition to the Amur Region, 1945-1949 by G. V. Nikolsky, 1956) (Fisheries research report: 1787)

-17 -

As shown by M. N. Lishev (1950), the diet of pike consists
more of coarse fish than of commercial fish. Reduction of the pike
population will result in a sharp increase in coarse fish, and since
most of them (particularly pescars) feed on the same food as commercial fish, the latter would be adversely affected. However, the
number of commercial fish eaten by pike increases sharply as pike
grow. We conclude that high concentration of large pike in such
waters is undesirable.
I think that our fisheries must have the following attitudes toward
pike. Size distribution in the catches has to be such that every size of
fish does not surpass 50 cm. There is no need for limiting the catch of
small pike. It is very important, especially in the years of low water
level, to allow undisturbed spawning. Considering the pike in the Amur
River region, I once more emphasize that we need to organize fisheries
so as not to reduce the population but to establish such management which
will protect other commercial fish from predation by pike.
Considering all which is said above, it seems to me that with
good management conditions, a steady population of pike can be
established, and middle Amur fisheries can expect a harvest of about
1, 500, 000 kg per year. At present, the harvest is based on the spring
spawning run and on the fall migration. However, contrary to past
practice, fish will have to be caught while migrating, and not while
on the spawning grounds.