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Wildfarmer16
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This is going to be my first time fly fishing in the Boundary Waters. We are going to be up on Seagull Lake next week (July 10-17)and I'm wondering what the best flies for smallies and pike are this time of year?
any advice is always appreciated!
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jeroldharter
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How did it go? What flies did you catch with?
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schollmeier
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If it were me I would just tie on a clouser (size 8 all the way to 2/0 if your rod will take it and you have your helmet!) and fish that. Getting down a bit will usually up the size fish you catch in summer time. Plus the clouser is a deadly fly, I wouldn't go anywhere or flyfish for any species without a few in the box.
Poppers can be good, especially during the low light periods. I would have some Deceivers and Bendbacks for sure as well.
Some variation of a crayfish pattern is never a bad idea, and some generic nymphs and dry flies may come in handy if there is a major mayfly hatch (or if you want to target panfish).
I know there are other threads in here about the topic as well but if you are only targeting Bass and Pike you could get by on a bunch of Clousers, Bendbacks, and Deceivers alone.
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Wildfarmer16
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Thank you, I think we are going to stop on the way through Grand Marais and pick up some flies so I will be sure to pick up some of all of these. Any advise on leaders, I don't want to lose all my flies because pike chew through them?
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schollmeier
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Just about any leaders work, go with something light-ish. Light wire pre-built leaders, tyable leader material (my favorite but usually not cheap), heavy flourocarbon leaders. Fancy "fly fishing pike leaders" are not needed at all but they certainly work. I would just advise using some kind of leader.
What weight rod are you packin'?
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Wildfarmer16
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I'm bringing a 8'6" 6 wt rod. As I've been reading through some of these threads I see that might be a bit on the light side. But theres nothing like a big fish on a light fly rod, right!?
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schollmeier
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you'll be fine with a 6, it'll help if you throw a 7wt (or even 8wt) line on. Contrary to popular belief this will not harm your rod, though it typically reduces max casting distance and requires a slower stroke.
Stick with lighter flies and you'll good.
for a 6wt I'd use:
Clousers: #8-#4
Decievers: #6-#2
Bendbacks: #6-#2
poppers: #8-#4
Crayfish flies (if weighted): #8-#4
Some kind of generic nymph (hair's ear, pheasant tail, etc): #16-#8
Some kind of generic dry fly: #16-#8
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Wildfarmer16
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This is why I love this site. I think I might be able to stumble into a couple fish on my own, but having a forum where I can get insight like this is invaluable . Now hopefully I can put all this together and put some fish in the boat.
Thanks for the help. I will report back and let everyone know how it went
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