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Anglers come from all over the world to fish for Saskatchewan pike, while Saskatchewan anglers generally scorn pike and only occasionally fish for them. For many years I was a 'typical' pike hater, until at the urging of a friend, I used my fly rod to go after pike. After catching a few pike on large streamers, I became addicted.
Every year in June a group of us goes up to Jan Lake to fish for walleye. The last few years I have taken my fly rod and caught some pike once the walleye limits are nearly filled.
Last year there were several large pike in the 5-20 pound class that kept taking our jigs. While a shore lunch was being prepared, I started to fly fish for some pike. Using a 10-foot sink tip and a Fishhair streamer, I caught several pike in half an hour. We kept the two biggest and they each weighed in at an even seven pounds.
This example is by no means out of the ordinary. Even though trout are often described as a fish designed for fly fishermen, pike (especially large ones) are a good test for any fly fisher.
Anyone possessing a fly rod and reel is ready to fish for pike. A heavier rod rated for a 7-8-9 weight line is fine. Personally, I like a 7 weight rod with a stiff butt to drive the bulky flies when casting and also to help set the hook into the fish's mouth.
Floating lines can be used when fishing shallow bays or rivers. The large hooks on a short leader will sink the fly a couple of feet below the surface. If you are casting, a sink tip line will serve you better than a full sinking line. The sink tips are easier to cast, and on flowing water the floating portion helps you to see the fly's movement. Generally, a 10 foot sink tip will put your fly down to the depth where pike like to feed most.
If you are trolling, a full sinking line or a heavy shooting taper will help keep your fly down. Since fly lines are so thick, water pressure against them while trolling tends to make them bow up to the surface. The more line you let out, the worse this problem becomes.
Scientific Anglers and Cortland both make shooting tapers weighing 450 or 550 grains that are perfect for pike in deeper water. Sometimes, due to wind conditions or to interest lethargic fish, you have to troll more quickly than usual. A shooting taper will be the only line to keep the fly on the bottom.
One morning on Cree Lake last July the wind was pushing up some waves and our guide had to troll rather quickly to control the boat. I had few hits until I put on a Cortland 550 grain Kerboom shooting taper, and then the fun started.
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