StreamersPike Slider
The Pike Slider is a surface-oriented streamer designed to move water and trigger explosive strikes from aggressive northern pike. Its spun deer hair head creates a distinctive wake and popping action that draws fish from distance. This pattern excels when pike are actively hunting in shallow water or along weed edges.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Intermediate
Pike, Musky
Overview
The Pike Slider belongs to the family of deer hair slider patterns popularized for targeting toothy predators. The buoyant deer hair head keeps the fly riding high while creating surface disturbance that pike find irresistible. This pattern can be tied in various color combinations—chartreuse/white, black/purple, and firetiger are all proven producers. The heavy saltwater hook provides the strength needed for pike's aggressive strikes.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco TMC 600SP Heavy Saltwater, #1–#2/0
Thread: Semperfli Nano Silk Streamer 200D, pale green
Tail: Marabou plumes, chartreuse or white
Flash: Flashabou, pearl or chartreuse
Body: Saddle hackle, palmered
Head: Hareline Dyed Deer Belly Hair, white/fluorescent orange
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective from late spring through fall when pike are actively feeding in shallow water. Peak action occurs during low-light periods in summer and during the aggressive pre-spawn and fall feeding windows.
Presentation
Fish with a strip-pause retrieve that makes the deer hair head pop and gurgle. Vary the strip length and speed to find what triggers strikes. Allow the fly to pause and settle—pike often hit during the pause when the marabou breathes enticingly.
When to Use
Ideal when pike are holding shallow near weed beds, lily pads, or structure. Most effective in calm to moderate wind conditions where surface disturbance is visible. Works exceptionally well during overcast days and early morning or late evening.
Water Type
Target shallow bays, weed edges, lily pad fields, and backwater areas in lakes and slow-moving rivers. Effective over submerged vegetation where pike ambush prey. Works in both clear and stained water.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on 7–9 weight rod with floating line and wire bite tippet (20–30 lb). Use a short, stout leader of 6–7 feet to turn over the bulky fly. A loop knot allows maximum head movement.
Visibility & Floatation
Rides high in the water column due to buoyant deer hair head. Creates visible wake and disturbance on retrieve. The bright colors and flash provide excellent visibility for both angler and fish. Pauses allow fly to settle slightly before popping back to surface.
