New Fly Fisher: Prairie Lake Pike Fishing

In this episode, Colin was fishing for pike on small lakes and ponds in western Canada and US with Ben Rudmik from Fish Tales Fly Shop in Calgary.

Near Calgary in small pariare lakes, you can find 25", 5-6 pound pike.

At the end of May, in the post-spawn, there is a 10 degree difference between main lake and bays , with 55 degrees being the threshold. Minnows and leeches are the main part of diet. Look for drop-offs and water temperature as there may not be much structure

Great flies to use remember to pinch down barbs:

• Black Egg sucking leach is a great pattern


• Chartreuse and white clauser is another


• Black bunny


• Deceiver


• Popper

Use a slow retrieve. Twitch fly occasionally.
Keep rod tip down and lift up to set rod.

Use 12" strips

Cover as much water as possible with your casting

Rig:
6 weight, Floating Weight Forward fly line
5 foot sinking 10-12 pound leader from Rio or Scientific Angler
Double surgeons knot to wire leader
Saltwater hook