Technical Rigging for Pike
Stealthily cruising around big open weedy flats, constantly thinking of what may be lurking below... cast after cast, strip after strip.
Watching the cloud of a brightly colored erratic streamer dance its way back to the boat, when suddenly it disappears. You feel something trying to rip the line out of your hands. You strip set the hook into the apex predator's "trap jaw" and wait for the unexpected!
There is no doubt about it, Northern Pike are the wolves of freshwater. These primitive creatures have a special way of bringing back that "first fish on a fly rod" feeling, for those who have spent years delicately casting to sipping trout.
Hooking into these submarines is more complex than you think. Having the right gear can make or break your Northern Pike experience.
The Best Fly Rod for Catching Pike
Using the right rod is what makes the difference between fishing for three days in a row, or icing your arm after just the first outing. Anything under a 7 weight is out of the question. (Personally, I don't even feel comfortable with a 7 weight.) I know people that use them and the rods work well with smaller flies. If you are stripping 3-4 inch clousers in a canal or small pond, then a 7 weight is acceptable.
However, more serious Pike fisherman use an 8, 9, or 10 weight rod given the circumstances. 8 and 9 weight rods are ideal and will cover most scenarios for Pike fishing. If the Northerns are huge and their main source of food are trout, then you’ll want to consider a 10 weight. 10-12 inch trout-like flies can be very effective, when fishing for these monstrous slough sharks in large lakes and reservoirs.
My favorite rods to use are a #8 Sage Pulse and a #9 Echo Ion XL. These rods have the perfect amount of backbone in the butt with a complimenting flex tip. And, they are ideal for delivering heavy water-weighted streamers.
Want to pick up one of these rods yourself? You can find them here
The Reel Types you Need for Catching Pike on the Fly
Without a doubt, the drag is the most important aspect of a good Pike reel. After the initial strike, Northerns have a tendency to make an explosive run toward the biggest and thickest glop of weeds they can find. Palming a reel isn't very fun when the spool is spinning fast enough to burn your skin. So, investing in a good reel is a must for anyone who wishes to chase them.
The good news is, your drag doesn't have to be sealed. (It will only be exposed to freshwater.) An unsealed drag saves you $$$ too.
Keep in mind, the reel must be able to carry at least 75 yards of 30 lb. backing. A large arbor is a great option for this. There are several great reels on the market today, but my favorites that we carry are; the Echo Ion 8/10, the Redington Behemoth 9/10, the Sage 2210, and the Ross Cimarron II 9/10.
If you're looking for one of these reels, you can find them here
Fly Line requirements when it Comes to Pike
Fishing the right fly line is the most crucial part of successfully fishing for Northern Pike. There is one line that stands out above all others, and that is the Rio InTouch Pike/Musky. This line has an ultra-low stretch core and a short powerful taper for turning large streamers. It is also heavier than most lines available today.
A heavy line loads the rod better while extending your cast. This is a game changer when casting any large streamer with heavy material, or lead eyes.
This line is available in floating, floating/1.5 IPS, and 1.5 IPS/6 IPS. With these three lines you can reach any depth imaginable when searching for Spring-Fall Northern Pike. I like to use the floating line when I am targeting fish in eight feet of water, or shallower.
The floating/1.5 IPS is perfect in 12-9 feet, or if you want to fish quickly in shallow water. My favorite line is the 1.5/6 IPS.
I will strip this quickly in water 10 ft. shallower, and slowly work it into depths of 10-15.
If you're interested in this line, we have it and other great selections here
What's the Best Leader/Tippet for Catching Pike?
There are several different approaches you can take to deceive the fish nicknamed "Leader Shredder." My favorite leader is 4.5 ft. of 60 lb. monofilament followed by 3 ft. 40 lb. of fluorocarbon. I like to use fluorocarbon instead of steel leader, because it is virtually invisible to the fish.
I have always heard that Pike are not leader shy, but on sunny blue bird days, using fluorocarbon instead of steel can make all the difference.
Having said that, I have caught many pike on steel, and I know most fisherman use steel whether fishing with flies or gear.
Rio makes an excellent pre-made Pike/Musky leader that is 7.5 ft., and is available in 15-45 lb. wire (knotable bronze or snap on clip).
Looking for leaders and tippets? You can find our selection here
Ready to Chase Pike? Check This Out
In episode 33 of #AskNorth40, Josh of Scientific Anglers answers the question, "How to set up for pike on the fly?"
Watch as the Mastery Titan Fly Line is put to the test on late August pike, in Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, MT.
Northern Pike are greatly underrated, and it doesn't help your case much to become an addict. We have several great lakes in Northern Idaho/Montana that hold big pike.
Stop by any North 40 Fly Shop for a little guidance on where you should go, or reach out to us using the form below and we'll point you in the right direction.