07/16/2026
Recently it was discovered we have Northern Pike in Balch. This was most likely illegally introduced. They can destroy perch, minnow, shiner populations and will feed on pretty much anything they can fit in their mouths. I consulted with both Maine and New Hampshire fish and game agencies and both confirm that because we are on interstate waters, there is no daily or size restriction. So you should pull any Pike you may catch.
The easiest way to identify a chain pickerel is the "tear drop" black under the eye. Look at the body pattern... Northern Pike have light yellow or white oval spots on a dark green background.
Chain Pickerel are more dark lines forming a chain-link or net pattern over a lighter background.
If you only remember one thing, remember this:
Pike = spots
Pickerel = chains
Someone mentioned they remember catching them back into the 70's ... if that is the case, our lake seems big enough to sustain them and this is not a problem. It is something, however, to keep an eye on when you pull in one of those toothy fish. If you catch one, please post date/size/photo on this thread so we can watch it more diligently. Northern Pike are typically 24-48" while Chain Pickerel are usually 15-24" ... so size is also a good indicator.
I was told by New Hampshire that, even though we do see some in our lake, most New Hampshire lakes, do not create a hospitable environment for successful breeding. It has to do with the pH level of the water. If some were introduced, you could see limited breeding however, there are very few places in New Hampshire, where the water quality is hospitable for successful breeding.
