I would like to also say that it is a good idea that the lake just be closed, there are plenty of other places to fish for other species that arent trophy pike lakes. If you want pike head to the CT river like ill be doing. However, I would like to say that it seems the DEP know what they are talking about. If we are going to second guess many of their decisions then why let them be in charge of our fisheries management? This goes back to the whole "I'll keep legal fish that I catch" They set the limits and im sure there is reasoning behind it, otherwise our fisheries would be wiped out by the same guys that leave perch and sunfish on the ice to die.
Im not saying that we shouldnt take individual initiative to help protect our favorite species but I want to give proper credit to our DEP.