The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), in cooperation with the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank (Land Bank), is set to host a public meeting to address the intrusion of invasive northern pike in Westside Lake, located on San Juan Island in San Juan County. This effort is part of a concerted push to eradicate a species known for its detrimental effects on native ecosystems.
The meeting, aimed to collect community feedback on the management of this invasive species, is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 13, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the San Juan Island Grange, as reported by WDFW. In a determined plan to address the issue, WDFW representatives will discuss the prospects of using rotenone, a plant-derived substance approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a fish pesticide, to rid the lake of the persistent pike problem.
Public participants can also submit written input on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) determination for the pike elimination project. Starting Aug. 13, the proposed SEPA determination and project details will be available for viewing on WDFW's SEPA webpage, with a deadline for comments set for 5 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2025.
The invasive northern pike, a fixture on Washington's list of prohibited invasive species, poses a real threat to endemic wildlife. According to Justin Bush, WDFW’s Aquatic Invasive Species Division manager, "Pike can live more than 20 years, grow larger than 45 pounds, produce a large number of young, and consume large quantities of amphibians, birds, small mammals, and fish, including impacting Endangered Species Act listed salmon and trout."
Initial attempts to control the northern pike population in Westside Lake began with gillnetting in March 2024, resulting in the removal of 23 fish, as per WDFW. However, experts at the Department believe that additional measures are necessary to ensure a complete eradication and to prevent the spread of the species to other local water bodies.
As a part of the management strategy, collaboration is ongoing with the Land Bank, area treaty tribes, and the Washington State Department of Ecology. Anglers who encounter northern pike in new areas are urged to kill the fish immediately, record its presence through a photo, and report the sighting through available channels, including a dedicated hotline, email, or the Washington Invasive Species Council reporting tools.
The WDFW assures an inclusive process, inviting all community members to participate and provide input on the pike management strategy. This approach highlights the Department's continuous efforts to balance the needs of the environment with sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
