Northern Pike
Head out for northern pike during the spring and fall. With fly fishing, the fly needs to entice the pike in shallow waters as it rests at the surface. Because pike are deeper dwelling fish, this is no small accomplishment. This is why spring and fall are the time to fly fish for the species.
Pike gather in the shallow waters as it is cold enough for their liking, allowing you to fly cast for the species. Fly fisherman Rich Sorgaard reports on the Minnesota Fly Fishing website that successful fishing for pike in shallows is rich in aquatic vegetation during the spring and fall.
Your fly choice depends on what early or late season flies are in bloom. If no success at strikes occurs, switch your fly and try a smaller hook size with your new choice. Fly selections for pike include Lefty's Deceiver's 4/0 - #2, Dahlberg Diver 2/0 - 1/0, and the Muddler Minnow #8 and #10, as reported by Minnesota Fly Fishing.
Try the North Shore and the Arrowhead region around Duluth for northern pike fishing in the fall and spring.
Trout
Brown and rainbow trout grace the rivers and lakes of Minnesota. Trout like colder water, so when fishing the rivers in the state, look for deep pockets or pools, particularly under large cedars or conifers where shade gives the water temperature a dip.
Minnesota Fly Fishing website recommends using 14-16-18 Mosquitoes, Clouser Minnow 2/0 - 6, Pink/Orange Scud 14-18 or Royal Coachman 14-16-18 flies for trout.
The Lester River, Baptism River, Gooseberry River and Temperance Rivers in the northern portion of the state are recommended trout rivers, according to Minnesota Fly Fishing.
Pan Fish
Bluegill, crappie and sunfish are popular sport fish found in Minnesota's lakes and rivers. These species provide fly fishermen with a range of challenges, from fly choice and selection, to where the fish are hitting on a particular day. If you're hoping for some pan fish, Minnesota Fly Fishing suggests using Pass Lake 12-16, Prince Nymph 12-16, Pheasant Tail 12-18 and Hares Ear 10-18 flies.
Brule River, Amnicon River, White River and the Namekagon River are particularly good for these species during the summer months. These rivers run through the northwest corner of the state. Duschee and Gribben creeks, near Rochester in the central part of the state, produce good pan fish fly fishing during the warmer summer months.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
