Fly fishing for pike has been around for a few years now, with many anglers targeting big waters like Chew Valley Lake. However, it remains vastly underused on other waters—and given how effective and exciting it is, we can't understand why! Whether it's because some anglers see it as a bit gimmicky or because it seems like more effort compared to casting out a dead bait, we're not sure. But one thing is certain: it’s a method you should definitely have in your arsenal if you love catching pike!
Among the advocates for using flies for pike is Robbie Northman, an all-round specimen angler with expertise in fishing with artificial baits. He’s had sensational results using the method on his local Norfolk Broads over recent seasons and We spoke to him about his top tips on catching them so you can go out and give it a go!
YOU CAN ALSO CATCH PIKE ON LURES, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST LURES TO USE TO CATCH THEM.
Not only does casting a fly warm you up on a cold day, but it’s probably the most meditative way that you can fish. Your mind becomes totally absorbed in the constant cycle of casting and retrieving. Plus, the
anticipation of a fish hitting the fly is hard to match, especially when it could be a big, wild 30-pounder.
Location
I have found that anywhere pike will take a lure, they will also take a fly. In fact, if pike aren't particularly interested in lures and are heavily pressured, offering them something completely different—like a fly—often triggers a response. As with most things in fishing, being a bit different from the crowds often shows in your results.
I have caught pike on the fly in waters ranging from the largest reservoirs to the tiniest streams. As long as pike are present and you can get the fly out to them, you stand a good chance!
You should still target classic spots, such as overhanging trees, man-made structures, and any sub-surface features. You don’t have to cast for miles, either—it’s better to make short but effective casts than to push too far and end up in a heap.
A SET OF THE BEST POLARISED GLASSES WILL HELP PROTECT YOUR EYES AND HELP YOU SEE YOUR FLY EASIER.
Tackle choice
My preference are 9ft saltwater fly rods in 10wt and 11wt, with my personal choice being the Greys Wing. They’re powerful, but still great fun to land jacks on. Use a reel with a good quality drag. Robbie’s choice is a Grey’s Tail.
Fly lines are far more important, and I ‘overline’ my rods, for example, using a 12wt line on his 11wt rod. This makes casting big flies on heavy rods easier. Look for a line with a short ‘head’, which can be easily turned over at close range. A floating line is a versatile choice, as you can add a length of sinking tungsten head to get your fly down.
IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN FLY FISHING BEFORE, HERE IS A GREAT BEGINNERS GUIDE TO LOOK THROUGH!
Traces and leaders
It goes without saying, when fishing for pike using any style of angling, your leaders should be robust! I prefer to use 4ft of 50lb fluorocarbon down to 18ins of 35lb wire. To this, I add an easy snap swivel, so I can quickly change flies, it also gives a little more movement to the fly when it is dropping down through the water when I pause the retrieve.
IF YOU WANT TO CATCH A RIVER PIKE, HERE ARE SOME EXCELLENT VENUES TO TRY!
Fly choice
Carry patterns in different sizes and colours, as you would with lures. My preferences are to use brighter coloured flies to stir up dormant pike, but will switch to more natural colours if faced with finicky fish. This works well for me but keep the changes coming if you aren't getting any action.It’s amazing how often you can switch to a new fly and catch a pike on the very next cast—despite having just thrashed the water to a foam with the previous one!
Retrieve
I like to vary my retrieve throughout the day to find what’s working best, sometimes leaving the fly to sit for a few seconds before aggressively ripping the line so that the fly rises and flutters back down can be really effective.
In addition, I will alternate the depths I fish at. I’ve got a short and heavy tungsten tip, which I add to the end of my fly line. That bombs the fly right to the bottom – a great option on cold days when the pike aren't really willing to chase the fly. When it’s warmer, I’ve caught on the surface, stripping a big fly along the top making loads of commotion just seems to get them fired up!
