Bitterroot Pike

This spring I found myself chasing a species that Montana isn't known for; Northern Pike. I had seen many videos and heard many stories about how big these non native fish get in the lower 'root and Clark Fork. However, my efforts this spring did not pay off.

Chris managed to land a very nice pike a few weeks ago and today we decided to go for some pike again. We found some still water on the Bitterroot and spotted a nice fish. It didn't take long before one of the several fish in the area smashed my fly and put up a few drag screaming runs. It was my first pike in Montana.

A little later, Chris hooked into a nice fish that tied him up in some logs. Unfortunately he couldn't get the fish out. We tried at some more lazy pike but they wouldn't play. It was very fun to be able to target these fish in Montana. It makes me miss the pike fishing back home in upstate NY.

Chris working hard to entice a feisty pike

Classes are pretty much in full swing now. I think the Cell and Molecular biology pre-exam we took today scared us for the lectures that are to come later in the year. Hopefully getting out on the water will keep us sane. The weekend is looking beautiful with a lot of sun and temps in the low to mid 80's.

***The Pike is now eagle food, saving at least 100 trout per day***