I'm bringing an 8 weight on a late summer trip, and I plan to troll a bit with a sinking line over some deeper water. Summer isn't the ideal time to catch big northern on a fly rod but I'm going to give it a shot. Any suggestions as to larger flies to use while trolling? I tie quite a bit so bring on the ideas, I'm always looking for new patterns to try out.

If you scroll down here to the second page there is a thread I started on 2/12/2016 that has a good discussion about large flies.

Bill

I found it, thanks WHendrix. I might have to order that hook used on the meat whistle, I can't remember seeing one of those in a large size on the shelf.

Did you ever end up tying the Ambrose Bucktail?

Yes, I did tie the Ambrose Special, but I do not recall catching anything on it yet.

I also tie alot, that is a nice looking fly. Let us know how you do.

I may have gone a little overboard with the firetiger

Those look really great !

Great looking fly Patrick, that should bring them in, tight lines.

Some Great looking flies there! I like using synthetic materials for my pike flies as they tend to be more durable and shed water better. With that said, I do load up on zonkers because of their durability and ease of tying......they do soak up water though and cast like a wet rag after awhile......but the pike love them!

Mike

Report back: My biggest pike casting flies was a 29" northern. It was holding behind a rock in some moving water, and I caught it on a firetiger colored murdich minnow, size 2/0 hook. I got a number of smallmouth fly fishing but no size to them. We didn't have much success early on trolling flies and I abandoned that idea part way through the trip. I think I'll give it another shot during the spring or early summer though.

We did do well overall. Our group of four had 2 northern over 40", many over 30", and between 5 and 10 smallies over 20". It was a great trip for late august.

Very late to this thread. FYI, I think those double hook flies are not allowed in BWCA/Quetico. Correct me if wrong, but I think it is single barbless hooks.

That big fly is not so good for trolling, even with sinking line. It will likely be very close to the surface and not have much action. I think a better choice would be to use a large foam wiggle minnow or similar - the sinking line will get it below the surface and it will have a lot of action. You might want to add a swivel if you get line twist. I have had good luck with those - more for walleye and smallies than pike but maybe you could find a big one.