Fly fishing pike

[Guest]

does anyone know of a good pattern or fly for going after pike, like a favorite or somthing. and also i only have a 6 weight rod and i was wondering if that is big enough to fight up to a 5lb pike, because the pike dont get much bigger in the river behind my house.

[TomWehler]

Dahlberg diver!
Super Pike Snack.
Mmmmmmmmmm!

Musky Tom Wehler

www.muskytomsguideservice.com

[guideman]

6 weight...sounds like fun,
Large streamers and minnow imitators in white or yellow have worked for many of my clients over the years.

Pike can also be suckers for a surface popper in the right conditions.
You may want to go to a soft wire or a heavy floracarbon leader for protection from those teeth.

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Terry "Ace" Sjoberg
Ace guide service.
aceguideservice.com
218-753-2612
[email protected]

[chief]

SmackinSlabs,

For the pike you describe, a 6wt. is just fine--and an awful lot of fun. Your only limitation with such an outfit would be an inability to throw the usual large flies long distances. However, you can simply scale down your selections and cover a lot of water with minimal fatigue. Dahlberg divers, as mentioned, are superb, as are deceivers, clouser minnows, Barry's pike fly, bunnies, hair strip divers, etc. Examples of all these can be seen on-line at Cabelas, Kaufman's Streamborn, L.L.Bean, Orvis, and so on. Sizes #2 through #4 sound about right, with hot colors such as chartreuse and glo-orange working well.

Have fun!

[saintmark]

Well, I've been fly fishing for pike for about a 2 years now. Unfortunately, 6 wt in my opinion is light. I use 9/10. Do you tie your own flies?? Big question!! cabelas and feather-craft sell flies but are a little spendy. Throwing a 4 or 5 buck fly to a water wolf is tough. Been there done that. A good way to start is at the library. Get the book "Pike on the Fly" by Reynolds. He even has a fly named after him!!! The best fly we have found is the Reynolds or a Lefty's Deceiver. A #2 or #4 hook is cute, but "pony" up to 2/0 and get the saltwater tough stuff. Again, been there now doing it!!
I had a 38" on last summer in Norhtern MN on a Black on Black Lefty's with Red-Holo. Tied it myself. Took me down under a tree. I got a score to settle with that one this year. Also, I start using a 18lb 6" steel leader from Walmart with 24 lb fusion as my leader, and a 20lb Red-mono Tag nail-knotted to my 10wt fly line. I've since started using a steel-type leader materail my bro found in feather-craft. It's for steel-head fishing and you can tie knots with. And yes, I pull the tree up that the 38" wrapped me up on. This all sounds extreme, but this ain't no bluegill were're trying to catch. I'm going MUSKIE fishing this summer on a fly-in and we be getting it on with a flyrod. Good luck!! StM

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Need trout or pike flies!
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And good luck out there!

[garytheguide]

All I know is that I have taken guys fly-rodding on the vermilion river for pike andthey do well, and also to very well with the walleyes...I do know that they use a sinkingfly...If I would try, I would haveline every where!!!

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garysguideservice
garytheguide.com
[email protected]
Phone: 218-744-3158

[Guest]

Anyone have any suggestions for a first time fly rod for pike (mostly smaller pike with the chance of pike over 15 pounds). What about line? Leader, etc?

Thanks,
MJB

[saintmark]

Well, I got suggestion. some people might not like them.
Line 8 wt or bigger, I use a 10 wt.
Leader. I tip with a 20lb red tag, then 24lb fusion, then a piece of steel leader my bro found in feather-craft for steel-head trout. You can tie knots with it.
As for flies, Reynolds, Lefty's deceiver.
Check out the book "Pike on the Fly" by Reynolds. If you tie flies start with 2/0 hooks and do a little experimentation. The web is a great tool to look for ideas. If not check out your local tackle shops or hsolist.
If you have other question, just drop me a mail. I have fished for pike on fly rod for 2 years now and just love it. Check out the above book. It's a good resource. It will send you in the right direction. It did for me!!

[This message has been edited by saintmark (edited 05-03-2003).]

[chief]

MJB_04,

For a truly sound pike flyfishing investment it's almost impossible to beat an 8.5, or 9 foot 8 weight rod. Not only will it serve as a versatile (and non-fatiguing) pike weapon, but it doubles beautifully as a bass rod. There's no need to spend more than 200$, and better deals can be found with a little shopping. (I can personally recommend mid-level rods from Cabela's, L.L. Bean, Orvis Silver label, and some St Croix). Most 8 weight rods run to the stiff, aka "fast", side, but it's an aid to beginning casters to look for a slower, more deliberate action. Three and four piece rods pack very compactly, and recent advances make these rods almost identical in action to 2 piece rods--though you'll pay a bit more for these. Otherwise, a two piece rod is a great way to start.

A single action, disc drag reel that holds a weight forward #8 line with 150 yards of 30lb backing is all you need for starters (Scientific Anglers System II 7/8 model is highly recommended, but Cabela's has good ones also). At any rate, 150$ buys a reel that will land any pike that swims, and one that will last forever.

Leader jargon can drive you nuts, but, when all is said and done, a tapered leader with a butt section of stiff 30# mono, followed by 20# mono, then ending with six 7 or 8 inches of wire leader is fine for pike, as they are not critical of presentations. Store bought leaders--just like you'd use with casting tackle, work fine with sinking flies. For poppers and divers you oughta' be a bit more discreet, but any fly shop can show you how.

Good luck! Have fun!