For many trout fishermen pike offer a incredible and unique fishing challenge. Pike are naturally a lot larger then trout and with their predatory disposition makes them all the more aggressive. Northern Pike are often the kings of their foodchain, catching one of these apex predators is always a thrill.

As a Pike fly fishing guide, teaching people to fly fish for pike is always a fun. Pike are such thrilling fish to catch, absolutely hammering flys making for some truly great fishing memories. Below, I have provided some tips to help you catch more pike on the fly.

For anglers looking to target pike packing the right gear is the first key to success. Which brings us to my first pike fly fishing tip...

Tip #1: Pike Fly Fishing Gear

Bringing the right tool for the job is essential in pike fishing. That said if you've ever gone saltwater fly fishing your in luck, your 8 to 10 weight flyrods reels and line will likely serve you just fine for pike! All you need is some Steel Leader

People consider Northern Pike "toothy" fish, which means they will bite through Leaders like butter. If you don't want to loose each pike you hook up on better grab yourself a 30 lbs test steel leader. I've tested a few Pike leaders, my favourite is the Rio twist clip pike leader. It rarely comes undone and holds up well on these ferocious fish.

If you don't have a heavier fly rod or want to buy a pike specific rod. I use an 8 weight Reddington Vice outfitted with the Behemoth reel. The large reel has a simple but strong drag system great at slowing running pike down to a crawl . A good 8 weight fly rod setup allows for easy casting and enough "backbone" to fight land a 30+lbs pike.

For Fly line I generally use floating line to catch pike in the shallows. However if the pike are in more than 10ft of water I often switch to a sink tip. Using a sinktip allows your line to sink faster but also allows you to retrieve faster. Pike love to chase pray using a line that allows you to stay in the pikes strike zone while moving is critical (more on this later).

Regardless of which Pike Rod setup you choose, I recommend something durable and affordable. Just remember Pike fly fishing can take a toll on gear.

Tip #2: Pike Flys

While stocking up for you pike fishing trip be sure to visit a local fly shop for some pike flys. Large streamers are generally the go-to for pike fishing. Successful patterns in sizes 0-2 like double zonkers, lefty's deceivers and Pike bunnies are great for pike. These patterns in red, white, black or green colours are very effective especially with some tinsel/silver flash.

My favourite way to catch pike on the fly is on the service when the water is calm and the pike are in the shallows. I like to use bass poppers made in balsa wood with short tails and large 0-2 hooks. The pike absolutely explode on them making for a thrilling fight!

Tip #3: Presentation

Pike can be picky eaters, getting a pike to bite a fly can sometimes take some coaxing. Whenever your casting to pike always remember they are ambush predators and love to sneak up on their prey. Ideally cast in front and perpendicular to the pike so that your fly intersects vision. This should tempt the pike to T-bone your fly.

As ambush predators Pike like to sneak up on their prey. If the water is clear enough you should be able to see pike follow your fly. Often Pike will not bite until your fly accelerates, triggering their chase instinct.

I like to use a halting retrieve, with snappy quick tugs on the fly line and variable pauses in between. This retrieve simulates a wounded fish, an easy prey for a pike. This retreive also works great on both Streamers and Poppers!

Tip #4: Pike fishing locations

Just like fishing for Rainbow trout, Pike fishing is all about Location, Location, Location! You can find Northern Pike in both lakes and rivers, however the biggest pike are usually in lakes. Unlike Lake trout, Pike love shallow water. You can find Northern Pike across North America but they are most active in colder climates.

Many people recognize Canada, especially Northern Canada, as a prime Pike fishing destination. Pike tend to live longer and grow larger in colder waters. Where I guide in the Northern Rockies our water temperatures allow for a lot of massive Pike. Coupled with the nearly zero fishing pressure our fly in lakes receive, we produce many trophy fish.

Pike are particular about were they hangout, they prefer shallows, weedbeds and lots of cover. Being ambush predators they love to hide, waiting for their next meal to swim by. Look for pike along the shoreline in 10-15ft of water were weeds and other vegetation provide cover. Clear water makes sighting pike way easier (another benefit of fishing for pike in cold water).

Tip #5 Save your fingers and the Pike!

Unless your planning a shore lunch try to release pike quickly and try keep them in the water. Often fishing nets break on large pike as they are pretty darn feisty, I like to keep them on the reel and release them alongside a boat. If guests want a quick trophy shot a cradle net helps lift the pike and a good grip on the belly and head prevent injuries to the fish.

For releasing pike a set of long nosed pliers or forceps helps remove flys and prevents painful cuts on sharp pike teeth. Sometimes pike voraciously chomp down on flies, making them hard to release. A pair of jaw spreaders helps you release the fly but also the fish in a timely manner. One last tip is to keep your fingers out of the pikes mouth, you'll thank me for it!

Looking for more info on a world class fishing trip for Northern Pike? Contact me anytime at daniel@nradventures.com