Fly fishing for muskies

[Bill Schneider]

I suppose some of you might think I'm crazy, but I'm interested in fly flshing for musky. I have been searching for informationa nd resources on this subject, but have come up dry--sort of like casting for a week without a hook-up. Anybody out there know a source for fly fishing for musky or any guides or lodges who offer this service in Minnesota? Thanks....Bill Schneider

[jyoung]

Hey Bill,
I to am crazy like you, I tried fly fishing for muskies a couple of years ago and I must say, it is tough. There is not alot of information out there. I had to tie my own flies, I used a 9 wt. rod with floating line and 48lb. wire for a leader. I tried every time I went out and could not raise a single fish. I would pull out a jerkbait or a bucktail and boom, a fish in the boat. So Bill if you have a lot of time on your hands and don't mind going home skunked most of the time, Than give it a try, It could pay off BIG. I always wanted to fight a musky on a fly rod, I just could not do it anymore.
Bill good luck with it and I hope you nail one,Jeff <><

[Bob Ranney]

Bill -
I just started fly fishing for muskies late last fall. Pomme de Terre Lake in Missouri is just about 15 minutes from my home and has a good population. Using a 9wt. with sinking line and red and white streamers I tied myself, I made only four trips, but had two muskies on. The first was BIG and didn't stay with me long, but what a thrill it was. The second was just 20", but fought well. I know I can't keep that percentage up, but with the fish in shallow in the fall up creeks to spawn in spring, I think they are pretty catchable.

You might be interested in the book that got me started. It's called "Pike on the Fly". Written by Barry Reynolds and John Berryman.

If you keep at it, I would sure be interested in hearing how you do.

Good luck.

[ToddM]

Bill, there is a guy in hayward that specializes in fly fishing for musky. He guides out of boulder lodge on ghost lake and has been featured on TNN and ESPN. I met him and he is a nice guy with a ton of stories to tell. He guides on lakes and the chip river. 888-462-3002.

[stewart]

For sources of information I can give you hints, but I don't have any specifics. In-Fisherman had an article on fly fishing for muskies a few years ago. I think the jist of the article was to go in the spring, on a clear lake where you had a chance to maybe see the musky. Since you can't really search with fly gear limit your efforts to specific spots.

Field and Stream had an article on the subject too. It was a description of a guided trip on a river. Saw an episode of Rod and Reel Streamside where they fly fished muskies in a small river too.I think a small river would probably be a better situation for fly fishing than a lake. Anyways, if you have a chance to paw through back issues of these magazines the articles are there somewhere.

[MuskyTom]

There are a number of us that go after muskies on the fly. Dan Edwards is the guide on Ghost Lake. I have never fished with him, but have heard great things about him. The one I landed hit like a ton, but was rather small. I had a big one briefly, when it got off I had to sit down as my knees were shaking so hard. My wife has had two on while fishing a 7 weight for bass. The image is emblazoned in my memory as it literally towed our 16' boat in less than three feet of water. Make sure you squeeze an excercise ball during the winter. That will reduce the risk of tendonitis next summer. I will be fishing a day with the real MuskieTom this summer on V. I think muskies are vulnerable to flies throughout the season. You will develop your favorite patterns. If you don't tie, Thorne Brothers is an excellent resource.
Have a great season!
Tom

[MuskyTom]

Bill,
Did you get the information you needed?
Tom

[Steve @ G & S Guide Service]

Bill,

You're not crazy! I've been toying with the idea for years and just completed work on a 9' 11 weight rod for just that task (well, muskies and tarpon in May). I'm going to be out there this season attempting to cast big, honkin' streamers and topwater bugs for muskies. The only thing that I'm wondering about is what to use for a leader?

I was thinking about using 65 lb. PowerPro as it's pretty cut resistant but I've got to talk to someone that's done it and find out if I'm on the right track.

Steve @ G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods. http://www.herefishyfishy.com

[Duane]

Fly fishing for muskies is something I am going to pursue this year.
I am from central Illinois and have a perfect lake 15 minutes away!
I bought a video about fly fishing for muskies and it is awesome. It talks about leaders and flies and has some actual footage of muskies being caught on flies. The video is from Bill Sherer at WE TIE FLIES.
He has other videos on tying muskie flies. He has a website at
www.wetieit.com. He has a fly catalog he will send you plus he also guides for muskies on the fly. I didn't buy much standard muskie lures at the Chicago muskie show but I did drop about $125 in flies.
I have caught a ton of pike fly fishing and cannot wait to get my first muskie on a fly.

[Esox Masq]

We Flyfish for Muskie with pretty good results on the St. Clair Flats. (The worlds largest freshwater estuary). Dahlberg Divers are a great producer because they leave a bubble stream behind them that makes the fly look much larger than it is. 80# mono is a good tippet choice, and we don't get bitten off too often. As far as not raising many fish, big plastics, and Suicks with no hook are good for bringing them up,and getting them P.O'd then toss 'em a fly (kind of like the salt guys).