Pike & Muskie Flies (6 of 14)
Video Transcript:
What brings pike and musky back to the same location every year is reliable
food source. Perch, wall eyed, minnows, and even frogs and small ducklings
are all sources of food for all these voracious predators. As fly-fishers,
we need to match this food sources with appropriate flies, it's the same as
with conventional tackle fishing and is part of the allure of fishing;
finding the right lure or fly for the right conditions.
Stick bait that imitate bait fish are not that different from fly patterns. They share similar colors and silhouettes. What is key for both is presentation. Presentation is always important, no matter what species you fish for or what tackle you use. You should be sure that the lure or fly you're using is in the right depth of water and imparts an action that triggers a strike.
Large pike and musky flies made of deer head and feathers are good options when the fish are shallow. Foam poppers are particularly popular in various sizes. Sometimes, smaller surface flies are required in shallow water, especially using patterns that imitate frogs or mice. For streamers, patterns that use rabbit fur are popular choice, but even better are streamer patterns that use synthetic materials because the flies are easy to cast, as they don't hold water. The key with all your patterns is versatility based on conditions.
Stick bait that imitate bait fish are not that different from fly patterns. They share similar colors and silhouettes. What is key for both is presentation. Presentation is always important, no matter what species you fish for or what tackle you use. You should be sure that the lure or fly you're using is in the right depth of water and imparts an action that triggers a strike.
Large pike and musky flies made of deer head and feathers are good options when the fish are shallow. Foam poppers are particularly popular in various sizes. Sometimes, smaller surface flies are required in shallow water, especially using patterns that imitate frogs or mice. For streamers, patterns that use rabbit fur are popular choice, but even better are streamer patterns that use synthetic materials because the flies are easy to cast, as they don't hold water. The key with all your patterns is versatility based on conditions.
Equipment For This Chapter