In Bantam Lake, Northern Pike are preparing to spawn at this time of the year. In a normal year the fish start their migration to flooded terrestrial areas just after ice out. On any given day, when the proper temperature are reached you can expect to find pike spawning in these areas. Both the males and females will actively take an ice fisherman's bait during this time of the year. With the stresses of capture it is very likely the fish will void its' spawning product and fail to contribute to the population after being caught. This is DEP's main concern and is the substance behind the logic for a species specific closure.

Why is the lake opened to all fishing except northern pike? Since Bantam doesn't directly receive trout stockings there is no need to close the entire lake. By keeping it open it allows anglers to continue to enjoy fishing. Legally, you can fish at Bantam Lake after the closure of Northern Pike season. You may not target pike and if you catch one you must return it to the waters immediately. What constitutes targeting a northern pike? If you are using 12" bait and you have a steel leader on your tip-up you are fishing for northern pike and you'll be talking to one of our C.O.'s. If you are using large bait with heavy mono you may be fishing for pike or you may be fishing for bass. Do you want to risk the wrath of other fisherman over this? Do you want to have a conversation with one of our C.O.'s?

This is your resource and we manage it for you. Let's not push the envelope on this one. If you are being reasonable there is nothing to worry about. It is my hope that ctfisherman anglers are trying to do the right thing and simply want to avoid any hostile confrontations while they are having a good time. Enjoy what we can do for you and protect the resources so others can enjoy it as well as you do. Keep fishing and I wish you all 'Tight Lines'.