Several years ago, a good life long friend of mine moved to NE North Dakota and eventually to Billings, Montana. He was a trout fisherman for sure and I was intrigued as he explained the amazing hookups he had had for pike. Pike? Did seem a bit off track in the land of Steelhead, Salmon & Trout, he had just departed (Oregon). Bass and Carp were hard enough to embrace. Pike? Well he shared how predatorily, predaciously cool it was.
In the last several years, I have come to understand the scope and addiction of Pike Fly Fisher’s across the Northern latitudes. Simon Graham at his Pike Site is among several that give an exciting face to this species. So, while checking out Wayne Mumford at WillFishForWork, I saw he was mentioning his moment of recognition at BloodKnot. The piece is entitled The Beer Swilling, Spin Rod User’s Cousin. Check out BloodKnot and pay particular attention to pages 70-74 for Wayne’s well written praise to the toothy critter. Someday, I hope to try for this fish. Time seems in short supply to do it all, so I remain focused on trout with additional efforts to get better with a two hander for Steelhead.
Yet, top water for Pike (and Bass) does appeal to me. The predatory wallop does not offend my freshwater sensibilities. One thing is obvious as one studies fly fishing near and far…you fish for what you have available. Doesn’t matter the species, it is the process.
SwittersB & Exploring 
Ahoy there!
Thanks for the mention there my friend. Ditto ol’ Simon there. That top water explosion, the lightning attack of this fish; it’s not just the fish that gets hooked- so do you! We took my 96 year old grandfather out in the boat with us one eve this summer for an PM run, mostly to try to find him a pike on a bait rig. He’s never eaten one and so we tryed to hook him up. Those old hands and uncooperative fish didn’t light him up but once the sun set and the wind went down all hell broke loose with the fly rods.
He watched in fascination while the pike went wild on our top water bugs. It was a circus, us laughing when fish would attack from nowhere, we’d hook one, miss one, get the crap scared out of us when you just settled down from the last attack and they’d smash you again. Like a bunch of kids at horror flick.I know he would have loved to have caught one but age would not allow it although I know he had as much fun as we did just watching us and these crazy fish.
Like Simon, if you are ever in Montana in latter July, early August we will take you out. Bring your 8 weight, you’ll probably need it!
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Thank you Wayne! You paint a wonderful picture. What a memory on so many levels. Very cool!
Gary
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No Worries
Si
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So true what you say Gary about fishing for what is available. I’ve learned so much about fishing for pike over the years but its only since moving here to the island and being able to put in around 180 consecutive days a season fishing for them that I’ve become totally besotted by them. Once you see that explosion on the surface and feel your line go tight you’ll probably have a better understanding why I’m totally addicted to the fish.
Sure not the hardest fighting fish in fresh water….but wonderful sport anyway. Maybe someday you could get out here to the island and I’ll take you fishing for some snotrockets.
Thanks for the mention
Have a fantastic weekend mate
Si
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Ok, well don’t be surprised if I contact you re that generous offer.. 🙂 Take care.
Gary
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