Pike, walleye, sunfish on Leech lake... mostly Pike.

All about flies Fly Tying
1

Headed up to Leech lake on the 19th in Walker MN.

The father-in-law bet me that if I caught a two foot pike on the fly, he would shave his head. I told him if he caught one on regular tackle before my fly and I, I would shave mine.

I have tied pike bunnies and clousers as well as size 2 bass chuggers. Thinking flashabou flies, but don’t know how to tie them.

Also, how to find the fish would be helpful. Thanks!

2

Good luck, but I suggest that you buy a hat;)

Jim Smith

3

Ya know, Jim… I’m thinking the same thing. By the way, thanks again for the materials you sent. They are still going strong, and that rabbit has been dynamite for my Dirty Rats.

4

Here’s one that’s pretty easy

http://www.balticflyfisher.com/hints-and-tips/salty-pike-part-3-flies/

this site is amazing; lots of flies/info/etc

http://thelonesomepiker.blogspot.com

Regards,
Scott

5

Found a few more

http://www.flies-stepbystep.com/en_pike,105.html

http://www.nsfa-adventures.com/NORTHERN_PIKE_STEP_BY_STEP_FLIES.htm

Just do a search on the interweb and you’ll find plenty to choose from

Regards,
Scott

6

Thanks, Scott! I’ll be sure to share pictures.

7

Imagine a Flashtail Clouser would work pretty well on pike. Just double over some Flashabou (silver is my favorite) on the shank and leave a tail: http://tyingnfishingssd.blogspot.com/2011/06/flashtail-clouser-tying-instructions.html. Very effective variant of an already deadly pattern.

If you get into some top water action, the Morrish Mouse has served me well in the past: http://www.flyfisherman.com/2011/06/30/fly-tying-the-morrish-mouse/. If you tie it nice and bushy, it will have no problem floating a wire leader.

Good luck.

8

The mouse looks good! Similar idea to the Bass Gurgler/Chugger I mentioned. Will try it with deer hair I think!

http://fishndave.blogspot.com/2012/05/bass-gurgler-testevening-of-5-9-2012.html

9

I’m headed up to Northern Ontario about the same time you’re headed up to Leech Lake. I’ve had excellent luck with all white flies between 5 and 8 inches long. The majority of my pike have come from around beaver huts. Rocky points, fallen timber and stumps or big rocks in shallow weedy areas have also produced. Make sure your father-in-law is driving the boat, that way you can get that first cast into a good spot.

10

Thanks for the luck wishes, everyone. Alas, I lost! A giant pike took my flashabou streamer on the first day, but came unbuttoned. No more luck after that. My head feels a lot more drafty.

11

Sorry to hear about the lost locks. I thought Bug Eaters were just supposed to have the loser give the winner a black shirt… At least that was implied by a friend from Nebraska.

Regards,
Ed, who doesn’t need a bet to shed