07/11/2026
Summer Pike Fishing: Protecting the Fish That Fuel Our Passion
By Neal Cote Bite Me Flies
There’s nothing quite like watching a big northern pike explode on a fly. Whether it’s a heart-stopping strike in the weeds or a boat-side eat that leaves your knees shaking, pike are one of the most exciting fish we chase here in Montana.
At Bite Me Flies, I am passionate about building flies that catch fish, but I’m just as passionate about making sure those fish are there for the next trip.
That’s especially important during Montana’s hottest summer days.
Warm Water Changes Everything
When lake temperatures climb into the 70s, northern pike are under significantly more stress than most anglers realize. Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, while the fish’s metabolism is working overtime. After a hard fight, a pike can be completely exhausted and struggling to recover.
Even if it kicks away from the boat, that doesn’t always mean it survives.
Many fish that appear healthy when released can die hours later from the effects of exhaustion, oxygen depletion, and handling stress. The larger the fish, the greater the risk.
Every Trophy Matters
That 40 plus inch pike isn’t just another fish. It’s a top predator and an important predator that helps maintain a healthy fishery. Big pike are the best at controlling overall pike populations by eating small pike. Losing one fish may not seem like much, but repeated stress on large pike during hot weather can impact the quality of fishing for years to come. Not to mention that over 40 inch pike are from 15-20 years old!!!
If we want future generations to experience explosive eats and giant fish on the fly, conservation has to be part of every outing. There are many that falsely believe in outdated information on pike put out by MFWP and other organizations and by taking that large fish they are protecting other species, which has been proven by multiple recent studies done by much more accredited and larger institutions to be wrong. By removing those large 1% fish, they are no longer eating smaller pike. Those small pike populations then explode and create stunted overpopulations that then do impact other species.
How To Fish Smarter in the Heat
At Bite Me Flies, I have adopted a few simple habits that make a big difference.
If you are going, fish early mornings whenever possible, when water temperatures are at their lowest. I use tackle that’s strong enough to land fish quickly instead of prolonging the fight. 10 wt fast action rods allow for fast controlled fights. Have all of your hook removal tools always within reach before the fish comes to the net.
Whenever possible, leave the fish in the water while removing the fly. If you decide a photo is worth taking, act quickly, just a few seconds out of the water before the fish goes right back. If you can’t get it done quickly, don’t even try, just let the fish go. It is easy to tell if a big pike is stressed, just look at its fins, if they become brighter red or orange in tint, the fish is oxygen stressed.
Most importantly, I never release a fish until it’s ready. Holding a pike upright in the water and allowing it to regain its strength gives it the best chance to survive.
Fly Selection Can Help, Too
One advantage of fishing large streamers is that they often hook fish cleanly in the corner of the mouth, making for quicker releases and less handling. Pairing quality flies with a reliable tooth-proof titanium leader also helps shorten the fight by giving you the confidence to apply steady pressure.
Landing fish faster isn’t just good for anglers, it’s better for the fish.
It’s Okay to Call It a Day
Sometimes the best conservation decision is knowing when not to fish. I usually stop targeting pike from July 15th and won’t start again until September.
If surface temperatures are pushing the mid 70s or higher, it may be time to target another species or head home and wait for cooler conditions. Pike fishing will still be there in the early fall and giving fish a break during extreme heat can make a real difference.
More Than Catching Fish
At Bite Me Flies, we believe success isn’t measured only by the number of fish landed. It’s measured by leaving the resource in better shape than we found it.
Every carefully released pike is another chance for someone else to experience that unforgettable strike. Every healthy fish helps keep Montana’s pike fisheries thriving.
So this summer, fish smart. Fight them hard. Release them fast.
The fish and the future of our sport will thank you.
