Pike esox lucius Northern Pike are a predatory fish widely distributed over the northern US and Canada. In the bait fish rich lakes they can grow to over forty pounds. Fly Fishing Tackle Fly Rod 9 foot - 8-9 weight fast-medium action. Reel Must have a smooth drag and capacity for 100yds of 30lb Micron backing. Fly Line Floating Weight Forward Leader Start with 50 lb butt section 4 foot, taper down to 10-15 lb. A wire leader must be used due to the pike's sharp teeth. Use leader all of the same mfg. using blood knots pulled tight. Flies Flies should imitate the pike's favorite prey; bait fish. Large streamers, deceivers, clouser minnows, bunny leech, bucktails ect. Experimenting is recommended but proven colors are: yellow and red, chartreuse and white, red and black, dark green and white. They should be tied on 1/0 - 3/0 streamer hooks. See the flyshop for pike flies. Finding Pike Pike are temperature sensitive. During the Spring and fall the pike are usually found in shallow weedy water waiting to ambush bait fish. During the summer the pike move to the shady weed covered areas about 6'- 12' deep. Presentation Cast to the weed cover and retrieve the fly slowly and steady. This is the standard for pike but if this does not produce action try breaking the rhythm by stopping the fly, changing direction abruptly or increasing the speed of retrieve. The pike may attack from any direction, often at full speed. If you see the pike attack be sure that it is on the line before setting the hook. When you feel their weight on the line strip strike hard and be prepared to clear line to get it on the reel. Home