Northern Pike are unmistakable.   Long, mean looking predators with teeth that make any angler think twice about not using a set of pliers to dislodge a deeply hooked lure.  The shark of the northern prairies, their nickname "Sewer Shark"  comes from their aggressive feeding habits, and the places they will inhabit.  Unlike trout that require clean, cold water with a high oxygen content, Pike can survive in dirty, warm lakes where algae is sometimes a problem.  They look and behave like a fresh water barracuda!

Pike are usually very aggressive for most of the year, and will hammer you lure both subsurface and top water.  In the summer they cruise weed beds, and often hit you fly like a freight train just as you start to pull it from the water to recast.  The shake hard and roll, but usually do not fight for as long as a trout, unless you hook some of the really big ones - then you're in trouble!  An 8 weight rod is usually the rod to use when stalking these prehistoric looking creatures.  Make sure you use wire leaders as their teeth will easily cut through the heaviest of monofilament.  There are commercial leaders available, although they are often times sub par.  We tie our own and if you are interested in purchasing some tapered pike leaders, give us a call.  In late winter pike are less aggressive and a lure with less action is preferred.  Sometimes you would swear a trout was nibbling ever so softly at the end of line, and not a giant Pike.

Pike will bite down when you put anything in their mouth - including your hand.  Their teeth have left many a fisherman scarred and bleeding.  Do not attempt to remove a hook from inside a pikes mouth with your bare hand!  Do not grab a pike from inside the gill plate, as you can do damage to the fish, as well as to your hand.
                          

Pike are tough creatures, but do treat them with respect.  They are native to our warmer waters, and we want their numbers to increase to provide sport for years to come and for our children.

Pike spawn in the spring and their are now closures in affect to protect them at these times.  They are one species that is just starting to get the recognition as a fish to pursue with a fly rod.  You will be amazed at what your wire leader looks like when even a small pike hits hard.  Many people travel from far and wide to pursue these great northern predators.  Pike like most any type of fly as long as its big and gaudy looking.  White with red bunny bugs are a great place to start.  Mice and frog pattern work well and are fun to use.  Ask about our custom pike flies.

Come Fishing with Us

Click to go Back