Fish
Published: 12th of April 2023 • Last updated: 31st of July 2023
Fly fishing for pike is a thrilling experience that combines the finesse of fly fishing with the raw power and aggression of one of the most formidable freshwater predators. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to successfully target pike with a fly rod.
When fly fishing for pike, it's important to choose a rod that can handle the size and power of these fish. A 9- to 10-foot rod in the 8-10 weight range is ideal for casting the large flies that your need. Fast-action rods are recommended, as they provide the backbone necessary for setting the hook and fighting this fish.
A sturdy, large-arbor reel is recommended, and a strong drag system is nice, but they won't make very large runs like saltwater predator fish do. But because you are dealing with large heavy fish, it's good to have it.
Since you'll be casting large, wind-resistant flies, a specialized pike fly line is recommended. These lines typically have a short, aggressive taper that allows for better turnover and easier casting of large flies. A weight-forward floating line is the most versatile option, but you may also consider a sinking line if you plan to fish deeper water.
Pike have razor-sharp teeth, so either a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon shock tippet is a must. A 12- to 24-inch wire leader in the 20- to 30-pound test range will provide good protection against bite-offs. If you prefer fluorocarbon, opt for a 60- to 100-pound test shock tippet. Make sure to regularly check your leader for nicks and abrasions and replace it as needed. Also check your leader after each catch. Pike have sharp teeth and can damage your line easily.
Pike are opportunistic feeders, and their diet consists mainly of smaller fish, frogs, and even small birds or rodents. As such, large streamers that imitate their prey are your best bet when fly fishing for pike. Some popular pike fly patterns include:
Choose flies in a variety of sizes and colors to cover different water conditions and prey species. Sizes 2/0 to 5/0 are typically used for pike, and colors such as black, white, chartreuse, and combinations of these colors can be very effective.
If you have a pike in sight but it's not taking your fly, consider switching colors. Sometimes this is all that it takes!
A special mention next to your other gear (like a stripping basket): a padded unhooking mat is useful to bring along. This way you minimize the potential damage to the fish.
When fly fishing for pike, it's essential to cover water efficiently and thoroughly. Start by casting parallel to the shoreline, and then fan your casts outwards to cover different depths. Make sure to vary your retrieve, as pike can be finicky and may respond to different retrieve speeds and patterns. Experiment with slow, steady retrieves, fast strips, and erratic jerks to see what triggers a strike.
Your fly fishers instinct will tell you to lift your rod when a pike takes your fly. Do that, but at the same time also use your line-holding hand to pull the hook into the pike’s jaw. This is called a strip-strike. The reason is that the hook is difficult to set, and this technique provides extra power.
Pike are ambush predators and will often be found lurking around structure such as weed beds, fallen trees, and rocky points. Focus your efforts on these areas, and make multiple casts to thoroughly cover the structure. In addition, pike will often move into shallow, warmer water in the spring and fall to feed, so make sure to target these areas during those seasons.
Pike are powerful fish with sharp teeth, and proper handling is essential to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the fish.
When you hook a pike, keep the following tips in mind:
As fly fishers, it's essential that we practice responsible angling and contribute to the conservation of our fisheries. This is often talked about in the context of specific areas or fish that are considered more rare to catch, but this also goes for pike.
Run by fly fishers and completely free!
Create accountLocations
Explore Sweden's fly fishing opportunities under Allemansrätten, emphasizing responsible practices to safeguard the pristine natural environment.
Locations
In this tranquil and heartfelt video, Rolf embarks on a spontaneous fishing adventure near his home, inspired by rumors of brook trout in a nearby lake.
General
Deep dive into Nylon (monofilament) and Fluorocarbon for your tippet and leader. Explore the pros and cons, features, and performance of each material to make an informed decision for your next fishing adventure.
Locations
Summary of NZ's proposed Designated Waters Licence: managing angling pressure, affecting resident/non-resident anglers differently, and next steps.
Fish
In this article we cover the differences between Pike and Musky, from their species distinction, visual identification, global distribution to fly fishing tactics.
Flies
Discover the thrill of fly fishing with terrestrials! Learn techniques, best flies, gear, and tips for targeting many species with this exciting fly pattern.
Run by fly fishers and completely free!
Create accountAll these locations are curated by local fly fishers. Wether they're guides or hobbyists, they're all experienced so you'll get the best information straight from the source.
New Zealand 🇳🇿
Sight fishing in clear mountain rivers and streams
Stream
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
France 🇫🇷
Serenity and trout between the cows
Stream
Brown Trout
Sea Trout
New Zealand 🇳🇿
Big trout in a big river
River
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
New Zealand 🇳🇿
Immersive sight fishing against a picturesque backdrop
River
Stream
Brown Trout
Perch
Rainbow Trout
Switzerland 🇨🇭
Pike and perch on lake Gruyère
Lake
Perch
Pike
Switzerland 🇨🇭
Fly fish the unique Cherry-Salmon Breed on the fly
Lake
Arctic Char
Grayling
Rainbow Trout
Austria 🇦🇹
18km of river among beautiful mountains
Stream
Brook trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Germany 🇩🇪
Ample opportunities for all levels to catch trout and grayling
River
Brown Trout
Grayling
Sweden 🇸🇪
Over 30,000 islands and endless fishing possibilities
Sea
Lake
Pond
Canal
River
Stream
Atlantic Salmon
Bream
Brook trout
Garfish
Ide
Perch
Pike
Pike-perch
Rainbow Trout
Roach
Rudd
Sea Trout
Discover different fish species. Learn about their habitat, feeding patterns, the flies that work best, and more.
Learn fly fishing knots. All knots are clearly illustrated with step by step instructions.
The study of insects. An entomology library focussed on the information relevant to fly fishing.
With an account you make suggestions, keep track of the rods you own, save favorites, stay up-to-date on the latest knowledge and much more.
FlyFish Circle is run by fly fishing enthusiasts and is completely free!
Already have an account? Log in here.
I just wanted to let you know that FlyFish Circle is built and maintained by fly fishing enthusiasts. And that's why it's free.
Consider creating an account to join our community. You don't necessarily have to contribute, but this helps us in understanding what to build next for fly fishers around the world.
Joost
Founder of FlyFish Circle
Already have an account? Log in here.
Save favorite species, flies, locations, countries and articles from the library.
FlyFish Circle is run by fly fishing enthusiasts and is completely free!
Already have an account? Log in here.
You need an account (this is free) to shop in the Boutique. This makes the shopping experience better and safer both for you and the independent fly tyers that you purchase from.
Already have an account? Log in here.
Make FlyFish Circle better for all fly fishers by suggesting an update. We process these regularly and will always get back to you once we've made changes.