711 | Sight Fishing for Northern Pike with Matt Martin - Smooth River Guiding
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 01/27/2025
871 | Fly Fishing Tactics for the Yellowstone, Bighorn, and Stillwater Rivers with Alex Hepworth from Montana Fly Fishing Lodge
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#871 Show Notes: Presented By: Big Montana rivers can feel overwhelming, even for experienced anglers. In this episode, Alex from Montana Fly Fishing Lodge breaks down how he approaches iconic waters like the Yellowstone, Bighorn, and Stillwater Rivers—and why many anglers struggle to find consistency on large freestone systems. It’s a practical conversation focused on simplifying decisions, reading water effectively, and understanding what really matters on big rivers. We dig into fly fishing tactics like dry-dropper setups, nymphing adjustments, and streamer opportunities, along with...
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870 | Fly Fishing the Eleven Point River with Justin Spencer
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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869 | Beyond the Giveaway: Missouri River Dry Fly Fishing with Eric Johnson
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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868 | Davie McPhail - Fly Tying Lessons from a True Master
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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A Fly Fisher’s Guide to Jackson Hole with Fish the Fly Guide Service
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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865 | Trout Spey Set Up and Casting Fundamentals with Nick Conklin
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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Using Attractor Patterns to Trigger Stillwater Trout with Phil Rowley (Littoral Zone #21)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#864 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , Sponsors: Stillwater trout don’t always eat because they’re hungry — and that’s where many anglers get stuck. In this solo episode of the Littoral Zone Podcast, Phil Rowley breaks down the power of attraction and explains why trout often strike flies for reasons that have nothing to do with feeding. When matching the hatch fails, attractor patterns can trigger responses rooted in curiosity, aggression, and territorial instinct. Drawing from decades of stillwater experience, Phil explores when and why attractor flies work, how to fish them...
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The River Retreat Lodge with John and Liz Douville (Traveled #38)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
863 Show Notes: Presented by: If you’re trying to figure out where you can find giant stoneflies in July, chase technical midge eaters in March, and explore private spring creeks, all while staying in a five-star lodge that’s not priced like Jackson Hole, this episode shows you exactly where that place exists. Today we’re heading into Swan Valley, right in the heart of one of the most epic fishing zones in the West, with John and Liz Douville, owners of River Retreat Lodge. We dig into how they ended up buying a lodge in the middle of COVID, why March might actually...
info_outline#711 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/711
Presented By:
Pescador on the Fly, TroutRoutes, On DeMark Lodge, Four Wheel Campers
When you think of a predatory fish, what are the first few species that come to mind? For many anglers, Northern Pike is among the most thrilling predators to catch. If fishing for northern pike is on your radar, today’s episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, we will break down sight fishing for Northern Pike with Matt Martin of Smooth River Guide. Find out his secrets to targeting big Northern Pike by sight. Here's what you'll learn:
Muskie vs Pike
Best time to target Northern Pike
Sight Fishing Northern Pike
How to Find Pike in Shallow Bays
Best Flies (and color) for Northern Pike Fishing
The perfect strip, and when the fish strike
Episode Chapters with Matt Martin on Sight Fishing for Northern Pike
Matt Martin grew up in Barrie, Ontario, and now lives in Midland, a town on the shores of Georgian Bay. Georgian Bay is known as the 30,000 Islands region. It's the world's largest freshwater archipelago.
Matt guides on over 50 lakes and a dozen rivers, targeting 14 different species. Northern Pike is definitely a top species to target, but it can still vary depending on where you are in the province.
Here’s a breakdown of the species you can fish in the area:
Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass
Northern Pike – Pike season runs from May to June and then again in September.
Walleye
Muskie
Chinook Salmon
Coho
Rainbow Trout
Steelhead
Brown Trout
Muskie vs Pike
Unlike pike, which are easier to catch, muskies are tough. You might not even see one all day, and the chances of getting a hit are low. Muskies are more challenging to catch because they have a lower population and a bigger home range.
For those who want to target muskie, Matt recommends booking more than one day to increase your chances.
Best Time to Go Fishing for Northern Pike
The best time for northern pike fishing is in the spring. The season opens on May 1st in Ontario, and that’s when pike are easiest to catch. Here's why:
In the first week of May, pike can be found in less than two feet of water, sunbathing in sandy bottom bays.
The main lake water is still cold (around 42-43°F), but the back bays warm up to the 50s. Pike use the warmer water to increase their metabolism.
According to Matt, sight fishing for pike is a whole new level of fun.
Sight Fishing for Northern Pike
Matt uses an 18-foot Lund Deep V fishing boat for sight fishing. He says it's perfect for the larger lakes, especially when the waves get rough. Matt uses advanced gear like a Minn Kota motor and Garmin LiveScope to spot pike before casting.
Fishing for Northern Pike in Shallow Bays
In the spring, focus on large, warm bays, especially those near river mouths. These areas draw pike because they offer the perfect hiding spots in weeds or along logs, where pike can ambush prey. Pike are ambush predators, so they wait below the surface to attack.
When fishing for pike, Matt says to keep your fly around 2 to 4 feet above the fish because pike strike from below.
Best Flies for Fishing Northern Pike
Matt prefers using bright, easy-to-see flies when fishing for pike, especially in spring. He avoids natural tones and uses colors like white, yellow, or bright pink.
The key is using flies that mimic the white belly of baitfish. Pike are drawn to movement, so keep that fly above them and use a strip to get their attention.
Stripping Your Fly for Pike
The way you strip your fly is crucial for catching pike. Most strikes happen during the pause between strips, not while you're actively moving the fly.
For some flies, like the Game Changer, Matt recommends a quick, short strip with a half-second pause to let the fly sink a bit.
Other flies like the Yard Sale need a longer strip with a hard kick at the end to make the fly wobble like an injured fish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEUP5cEOB6M
Essential Gear for Catching Big Northern Pike
Pike can be super aggressive, so it’s key to be prepared with the right gear to protect you and the fish. Here are some things to remember when fishing for Northern Pike:
Use a large, deep net to keep the fish in the water while you unhook it.
Have multiple sets of tools like jaw spreaders and pliers for safe handling.
Protect the fish to make sure they’re safely released after catching them.
Pike can live up to 20–25 years in the wild. Matt says it’s okay to keep smaller ones (around 27 inches), but those big 40-inch fish should go back in the water. If you keep one, make sure it’s injured and can’t survive being released.
Matt's Go-to Tips for Fishing for Northern Pike
Start in Shallow Bays
Bring Multiple Rods and Lines
Use 8-10 weight rods and carry lines with different sinking rates: floating, intermediate, type 3, and type 5.
Add a 12-inch section of 20-25 lb bite wire to your leader.
Short Leaders Work Best
Use Durable Pike Lines
Focus on bays with creeks, green weeds, and the right structure.
Matt’s final advice? Stick with it and have faith—pike are
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/711