Pike Flies for Sale: Selecting the Best Flies for Pike Fishing

Unveiling the Secrets of Pike Flies: A Comprehensive Guide to Entice the Freshwater Predators

Pike, the apex predators of freshwater, are a thrilling target for anglers around the world. Their aggressive strikes and powerful runs make them a formidable challenge, but also a rewarding catch. When targeting these magnificent fish, choosing the right flies is crucial for success. This comprehensive guide will delve into the diverse world of pike flies, providing valuable insights to assist you in selecting the most effective flies for your next pike fishing adventure.

Table of Contents hide

1 1. Types of Pike Flies

1.1 Bucktail Flies

1.2 Streamer Flies

1.3 Jig Flies

2 2. Choosing the Right Fly

2.1 Time of Year

2.2 Water Conditions

2.3 Size of Pike

3 3. Where to Find Pike Flies

3.1 Online Retailers

3.2 Sporting Goods Stores

4 4. Tips for Fishing Pike with Flies

4.1 Use a Heavy Leader

4.2 Cast to Structure

4.3 Be Patient

5 5. Conclusion

1. Types of Pike Flies

Pike flies come in a wide array of types, each designed to entice these apex predators in various conditions. Among the most popular choices are:

Bucktail Flies: Crafted from the durable hair of a deer’s tail, bucktail flies are a versatile option for pike fishing. Their rugged construction allows them to withstand aggressive strikes and be fished in diverse settings.

Streamer Flies: Mimicking the appearance and movement of baitfish, streamer flies are long and slender. They can be retrieved at various depths, from the surface to the bottom, making them effective in different water conditions.

Jig Flies: Designed for deep water or areas with strong currents, jig flies are small and heavy. They can be tipped with live bait, such as minnows or leeches, to further entice pike.

Bucktail Flies

Bucktail flies are a mainstay in the arsenal of pike anglers due to their durability and versatility. Crafted from the hair of a deer’s tail, these flies can withstand the sharp teeth of pike and are suitable for a range of fishing techniques.

The natural movement of bucktail flies in the water mimics that of baitfish, making them an attractive target for pike. They can be fished on the surface, subsurface, or even trolled behind a boat. Their versatility allows anglers to adapt to changing water conditions and target pike in different areas.

Furthermore, bucktail flies can be customized to suit specific fishing conditions. By varying the size, color, and shape of the fly, anglers can create lures that are tailored to the size of the pike they are targeting and the water clarity.

Streamer Flies

Streamer flies are a go-to choice for pike anglers seeking to imitate the movements and appearance of baitfish. These long, slender flies are designed to mimic a variety of fish species that pike prey on, making them a versatile option in different bodies of water.

Streamer flies can be fished in various ways to target pike at different depths. They can be retrieved on the surface to entice pike near the top of the water column, or they can be sunk and retrieved at various depths to target pike holding in deeper areas. Additionally, streamer flies can be trolled behind a boat, covering more water and increasing the chances of encountering pike.

When selecting streamer flies for pike fishing, it is important to consider the size, color, and action of the fly. Pike are often attracted to larger flies, so streamer flies in the 4- to 8-inch range are commonly used. Bright colors, such as red, yellow, and white, can be effective in attracting pike’s attention, especially in low-light conditions. Additionally, the action of the fly, whether it is a darting, swimming, or fleeing motion, can also influence the success of the fly.

Jig Flies

Jig flies are a versatile choice for pike anglers looking to target fish in deep water or areas with strong currents. These small, heavy flies can be tipped with a variety of live bait, such as minnows or leeches, to create a tempting presentation for pike.

The weight of jig flies allows them to sink quickly, making them ideal for fishing deep holes or areas with strong currents where other flies may not be able to reach. Additionally, jig flies can be bounced or jigged along the bottom, creating an erratic movement that can attract pike.

When selecting jig flies for pike fishing, it is important to consider the size, weight, and color of the fly. Pike are often attracted to larger flies, so jig flies in the 1/4- to 1/2-ounce range are commonly used. Bright colors, such as red, yellow, and white, can be effective in attracting pike’s attention, especially in low-light conditions.

2. Choosing the Right Fly

Selecting the most effective fly for pike fishing requires consideration of several factors, including the time of year, water conditions, and the size of the pike being targeted.

During the spring and fall, pike are typically more active and aggressive, making them more likely to strike at smaller flies that imitate baitfish. In these seasons, streamer flies and bucktail flies in the 4- to 6-inch range can be effective choices.

Water clarity also plays a role in fly selection. In clear water, pike can be more selective, so smaller flies with more natural colors and subtle presentations are often preferred. In murky water, larger flies with brighter colors and more flashy movements can be more effective in attracting pike’s attention.

The size of the pike being targeted should also be considered when choosing a fly. Smaller pike can be caught on smaller flies, while larger pike may require larger flies to entice them to strike.

Time of Year

The activity level of pike varies throughout the year, and the best flies to use will depend on the season. During the spring and fall, pike are typically more active and aggressive, making them more likely to strike at smaller flies that imitate baitfish.

In the spring, pike are recovering from the winter and are actively feeding to replenish their energy reserves. During this time, smaller streamer flies and bucktail flies in the 4- to 6-inch range can be effective in imitating the baitfish that pike are feeding on.

In the fall, pike are preparing for the winter and are again actively feeding to build up their fat reserves. Similar to the spring, smaller flies that imitate baitfish are often effective during this time.

Water Conditions

The clarity of the water can significantly impact the type of fly that is most effective for pike fishing. In clear water, pike can be more selective and wary of lures, so smaller flies with more natural colors and subtle presentations are often preferred. These flies can be less conspicuous and more likely to entice pike to strike.

In murky water, pike may have difficulty seeing smaller flies, so larger flies with brighter colors and more flashy movements can be more effective in attracting their attention. These flies can create more vibration and disturbance in the water, which can help pike locate them.

Additionally, the depth of the water can also influence fly selection. In shallow water, smaller flies that stay near the surface may be more effective, while in deeper water, larger flies that can sink deeper may be necessary to reach pike.

Size of Pike

The size of the pike you are targeting is another important factor to consider when choosing a fly. Smaller pike can be caught on smaller flies, while larger pike will require larger flies.

Matching the size of the fly to the size of the pike can increase your chances of success. Smaller pike are more likely to be interested in smaller flies that imitate their natural prey, such as minnows or small baitfish. Larger pike, on the other hand, may be more attracted to larger flies that imitate larger prey, such as larger baitfish or even other pike.

It is also important to consider the size of the fly in relation to the size of the hook. A fly that is too large for the hook may not be able to hold securely and could result in lost fish. Conversely, a fly that is too small for the hook may not be able to properly set the hook in the pike’s mouth.

3. Where to Find Pike Flies

Pike flies can be purchased at a variety of locations, both online and in-store. Here are a few places where you can find them:

Sporting Goods Stores: Many sporting goods stores carry a selection of pike flies. These stores typically have a wide variety of flies to choose from, including different types, sizes, and colors.

Online Retailers: There are also many online retailers that sell pike flies. These retailers often have a larger selection of flies to choose from than sporting goods stores, and they may also offer better prices.

Fly Shops: If you are looking for a more specialized selection of pike flies, you may want to visit a fly shop. Fly shops typically carry a wide variety of flies, including custom-tied flies and flies that are specific to the local area.

Online Retailers

There are many online retailers that sell pike flies, offering a wide selection and often competitive prices. Some of the most popular online retailers for pike flies include:

1. Flymen Fishing Company: Flymen Fishing Company is a leading online retailer of fly fishing gear, including a wide variety of pike flies. They offer a large selection of flies in different types, sizes, and colors, and they also sell custom-tied flies.

2. Umpqua Feather Merchants: Umpqua Feather Merchants is another popular online retailer of fly fishing gear, including pike flies. They offer a wide selection of flies from top brands, and they also have a team of experts who can help you choose the right flies for your needs.

3. J. Stockard Fly Fishing: J. Stockard Fly Fishing is a family-owned and operated fly fishing retailer that has been in business for over 50 years. They offer a wide selection of pike flies, as well as other fly fishing gear and accessories.

Sporting Goods Stores

Many sporting goods stores sell a variety of pike flies, making it convenient for anglers to purchase flies locally. Some of the most popular sporting goods stores that sell pike flies include:

1. Cabela’s: Cabela’s is a well-known sporting goods retailer that sells a wide range of fishing gear, including pike flies. They offer a large selection of flies from different brands, and they also have a team of experts who can help you choose the right flies for your needs.

2. Bass Pro Shops: Bass Pro Shops is another popular sporting goods retailer that sells pike flies. They offer a wide selection of flies from top brands, and they also have a large selection of other fishing gear and accessories.

3. Dick’s Sporting Goods: Dick’s Sporting Goods is a sporting goods retailer that sells a variety of sporting goods, including fishing gear. They offer a smaller selection of pike flies than Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops, but they may have a wider selection of other fishing gear that you need.

4. Tips for Fishing Pike with Flies

Pike fishing with flies can be a rewarding experience, but it requires the right techniques and strategies. Here are a few tips to help you catch more pike on the fly:

1. Use a Heavy Leader: Pike have sharp teeth, so it is important to use a heavy leader when fishing for them. A leader of at least 20-pound test is recommended.

2. Cast to Structure: Pike often hide near structure, such as rocks, logs, and weed beds. Cast your fly to these areas to increase your chances of catching a fish.

3. Be Patient: Pike can be finicky eaters. Be patient and keep casting until you get a bite.

4. Use a Variety of Flies: Pike are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of different flies. Experiment with different types, sizes, and colors of flies to find what the fish are feeding on.

Use a Heavy Leader

Pike have razor-sharp teeth that can easily cut through light leaders. Using a heavy leader is essential to prevent the pike from biting through your line and getting away. A leader of at least 20-pound test is recommended, and some anglers even use leaders up to 50-pound test.

In addition to protecting your line from being bitten through, a heavy leader also helps to keep your fly away from the pike’s teeth. This can help to prevent the fly from being damaged or fouled, and it can also help to keep the pike from becoming hooked deeply.

When choosing a leader material, it is important to consider both strength and visibility. Fluorocarbon leaders are a good choice because they are strong and abrasion-resistant, and they are also less visible in the water than nylon leaders. However, fluorocarbon leaders can be more expensive than nylon leaders.

If you are on a budget, nylon leaders are a good alternative to fluorocarbon leaders. Nylon leaders are less expensive than fluorocarbon leaders, and they are also strong and abrasion-resistant. However, nylon leaders are more visible in the water than fluorocarbon leaders, so they may be less effective in clear water.

Cast to Structure

Pike are ambush predators that often lie in wait near structure, such as rocks, logs, and weed beds. These structures provide pike with cover from their prey, and they also create ambush points from which pike can launch attacks.

Casting your fly to structure is a great way to increase your chances of catching a pike. By placing your fly near structure, you are putting it in the strike zone of pike that are lying in wait.

When casting to structure, it is important to be accurate. You want to place your fly as close to the structure as possible without getting it snagged. If your fly is too far from the structure, pike may not see it. If your fly is too close to the structure, it may get snagged.

It is also important to be patient when fishing to structure. Pike may not always strike your fly immediately. Be patient and keep casting until you get a bite.

Here are some tips for casting to structure:

Use a short, accurate cast.
Place your fly as close to the structure as possible without getting it snagged.
Be patient and keep casting until you get a bite.

Be Patient

Pike can be finicky eaters, and they may not always strike your fly immediately. It is important to be patient and keep casting until you get a bite.

There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting a bite:

Use a variety of flies. Pike are opportunistic feeders, and they will eat a variety of different flies. Experiment with different types, sizes, and colors of flies to find what the fish are feeding on.
Cast to different areas. Pike may be holding in different areas of the water, so it is important to cast to different areas to find them. Try casting to areas with structure, such as rocks, logs, and weed beds.
Be patient. Pike may not always strike your fly immediately. Be patient and keep casting until you get a bite.

Here are some tips for being patient when fishing for pike:

Take breaks. If you are not getting any bites, take a break and relax. Come back to your fishing spot later and try again.
Don’t get discouraged. It can be frustrating to not get any bites, but don’t get discouraged. Keep casting and eventually you will get a bite.
Enjoy the experience. Fishing is supposed to be enjoyable, so relax and enjoy the experience. Even if you don’t catch any fish, you can still have a good time.

5. Conclusion

Pike fishing can be a great way to catch a trophy fish. Pike are powerful and aggressive predators, and they put up a great fight when hooked. By using the right flies and techniques, you can increase your chances of success.

Here is a summary of the tips provided in this article:

Use a heavy leader. Pike have sharp teeth, so it is important to use a heavy leader when fishing for them.
Cast to structure. Pike often hide near structure, such as rocks, logs, and weed beds. Cast your fly to these areas to increase your chances of catching a fish.
Be patient. Pike can be finicky eaters. Be patient and keep casting until you get a bite.
Use a variety of flies. Pike are opportunistic feeders, and they will eat a variety of different flies. Experiment with different types, sizes, and colors of flies to find what the fish are feeding on.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of catching a pike on your next fishing trip.

Quiz

1. What type of leader is recommended for pike fishing? (a) Light leader (less than 20-pound test) (b) Medium leader (20-pound test) (c) Heavy leader (at least 20-pound test) (d) Extra heavy leader (over 50-pound test)

2. Where should you cast your fly when fishing for pike? (a) Away from structure (b) Near structure (c) In open water (d) In shallow water

3. What is the best way to increase your chances of catching a pike on the fly? (a) Use a variety of flies (b) Be patient (c) Cast to structure (d) All of the above

4. True or False: Pike are known to be aggressive and powerful predators. (a) True (b) False

5. What is NOT a good choice for a leader material when fishing for pike? (a) Fluorocarbon (b) Nylon (c) Monofilament (d) Wire

Answer Key

(c) Heavy leader (at least 20-pound test)
(b) Near structure
(d) All of the above
(a) True
(c) Monofilament