CONTENTS
1. TYING PIKE STREAMERS
Tying a pike streamer means creating a fly that is tough, functional and visually appealing. Pike are powerful predators with sharp teeth and considerable jaw strength, so every component of the streamer needs to withstand aggressive, repeated bites. A strong construction is essential: start with an extra-large hook, usually a saltwater model or one designed specifically for pike, often paired with a rigid steel shank or used in an articulated construction to improve movement and durability.
In terms of both appearance and performance, the streamer needs to be large and easy to spot, even in murky or deep water. Streamers longer than 15–20 cm are common, particularly when targeting larger fish. Long synthetic fibres that are durable and move freely, such as Craft Fur, SF Blend or Flash Blend, create broad profiles with a lively action in the water while keeping the fly manageable to cast. Flash materials such as Flashabou or Krystal Flash are ideal for increasing visibility and imitating the natural glint of fish scales.
3D eyes are more than a finishing touch: they make the fly look more lifelike and provide a target for the strike, increasing the likelihood of a direct hit. To improve stability and swimming action, you can use lead-weighted heads or techniques such as reverse tying to give the fly a broader, more sinuous action. Finally, applying UV resin or epoxy adhesive to critical points in the construction increases durability and helps the fly hold up over time.
Tying a pike streamer calls for more than creativity: it brings together tying technique, functionality and an understanding of the predator’s behaviour. A well-tied, well-balanced pattern suited to the water you fish can make a real difference to the number of strikes you get and fish you catch.
2. THE IMPORTANCE OF ARTICULATED STREAMERS IN PIKE FISHING
How the fly moves is one of the most decisive factors in pike fishing, often more important than its shape or colour. Pike respond above all to something that looks alive, unsteady and vulnerable: a fly with a sinuous, irregular and unpredictable action instinctively triggers their aggressive response.
Sudden darting movements, changes of direction and brief pauses in the retrieve can imitate struggling prey, catching the interest of even the most inactive pike. This makes articulated streamers an excellent choice: they allow you to tie large flies with enhanced, natural movement. The jointed sections give the streamer a fluid, lively swimming action that is particularly effective at attracting the predator’s attention.
Supple materials, a streamlined head and good balance complete the pattern, making the fly look convincingly alive on every retrieve. In clear or cold water, where pike can be more wary, a well-worked fly can make the difference between indifference and a strike.
3. TYING PIKE STREAMER 1
TYING MATERIALS
Tie in a few Softpulse fibres on the hook.
Tie in a guinea fowl feather on the hook.
Wrap the feather around the hook shank.
Finish with a drop of UV resin.
Attach an articulated shank and start the tying thread.
Form a small dubbing collar.
Tie in a guinea fowl feather on the shank.
Wrap the feather around the shank, then tie in another and repeat.
Tie a finishing knot.
Attach another articulated shank and repeat the process three times to complete all the sections.
Start the tying thread on the main hook.
Attach a length of braid to the four sections already tied.
Secure the braid to the hook shank.
Fold the braid back and secure it again with thread wraps.
Form a small collar at the rear of the hook shank.
Tie in and wrap four guinea fowl feathers along the hook shank.
Tie in a bunch of synthetic fibres.
Fold the fibres back and secure them with thread wraps.
Tie in a bunch of Arctic fox fur with the tips pointing forwards.
Use a small tube to fold the fur back.
Secure the fur in this position with thread wraps.
Tie in another bunch of Arctic fox fur on top, again with the tips pointing forwards.
Add another bunch underneath.
Finally, add two more bunches: one on the right and one on the left.
Tie a finishing knot.
Comb the Arctic fox fur backwards.
Attach the 3D eyes with a little glue.
4. TYING PIKE STREAMER 2
TYING MATERIALS
Tie in a strip of Barred Xpert Fringe on the hook.
Wrap the strip around the hook shank.
Secure it with thread wraps.
Tie in a bunch of yellow Arctic fox fur on top.
Tie in a bunch of black Arctic fox fur underneath.
Secure the fur and form a small thread head.
Attach an articulated shank fitted with a Jig Off tungsten bead.
Tie in the Barred Xpert Fringe as before.
Cover everything with dubbing.
Attach a second, longer articulated shank, again fitted with a Jig Off tungsten bead.
Tie in the Barred Xpert Fringe as before.
Tie in two bunches of Arctic fox fur: one on top and one underneath.
Cover everything with dubbing.
Tie in a bunch of Arctic fox fur on top.
Tie in a bunch of Arctic fox fur underneath.
Tie in a bunch of Arctic fox fur on the right-hand side.
Tie in a bunch of Arctic fox fur on the left-hand side.
Tie in and wrap a strip of Barred Xpert Fringe.
Fold the Arctic fox fur back and coat the head with UV resin.
Slide the plastic head into place and cure the resin with a UV torch.
Attach the 3D eyes.
Attach the streamer to your leader and go fishing!
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