Saskatchewan’s Cree River belongs on every pike angler’s bucket list—especially if you fly-fish. Here’s why

#4  The shallow-water sight fishing is exceptional

I’ve long maintained that when big pike are in shallow water, fly fishing is more effective than spin fishing, especially if you’re a skilled caster. My group of anglers dramatically out-fished the spin anglers in camp, though we also fluked into perfect conditions. Our four straight days of clear skies and warm temperatures brought big pike into shallow, ultra-clear water. These fish were often in a neutral mood, and not actively feeding… but if you put something slow, suspending and seductive in front of them, they’d still bite. Under those conditions, our big streamer flies, crafted with materials that make them sparkle, suspend and undulate, were the perfect bait.

However we also found pike by blind casting, in places where the big mamas were actively feeding, like slightly deeper water (as in three feet), and around structure and current breaks. Those were actually my favourite catches, including the fish above—the result of that cast into the reeds that I described on the first page. There are few experiences in fishing—let alone fly fishing—that compare to the up-close strike of a northern pike. Those are moments you’ll replay in your head for years.

#5  You’ll test your gear and skills—and you’ll pass

If you’re used to casting nymphs for trout or poppers for bass, fishing for Cree River pike will launch you into a new world of excitement and challenge. Whether you’re flinging big streamers (or tossing spinnerbaits), these aren’t delicate fish. They hammer you offering with jaw-snapping force and fight like crocodiles, shaking their heads and rolling in the weeds. Your gear and skills will be tested. The other three anglers in my group already had experience with saltwater fly fishing—including salmon, striped bass and tarpon—so they were instantly up to speed.

But if you’ve never targeted big fish on the fly, I’ve got good news: There are so many fish in this system that you quickly get a lot experience. You’ll have many opportunities to learn and perfect the required skills, which include: casting four- to six-inch long streamers on 8- or 9-weight rods, strip-setting your hook into bony pike jaws and managing long, heavy, powerful fish on a fly rod. I know this because when I first fly-fished for trophy pike 15 years ago, I was in over my head, despite 25 years of fly-fishing experience. But within a few hours, I got the hang of it.

Whether you’re an experienced fly angler chasing your personal best or a relative newcomer looking to cut your teeth on big predators, this system delivers. Shallow, forgiving water and aggressive fish will level you up quickly, while the sheer size of these fish will challenge even seasoned anglers.