Fly Fishing In Canada

[flyrodman]

Next summer I am going to Canada to canoe around a bunch of lakes and I need some gear suggestions. First off, I need a decent fly rod and reel that can handle pike and smallmouth, preferably somewhere around the $350 dollar mark. Second, what would be a good fly line and wire leader material to buy? Third, what are some good flies for pike and smallmouth? Thanks!

[Gavin]

You'll probably want a 7wt for smallmouth...and 9-10wt for pike sized flies. Dont spend a fortune on the 9-10wt cuz you wont need it much around here..Floating lines for both, and an extra spool setup to toss shooting heads....slow sink, medium sink, fast sink...Or bring a spinning rod. Tyger wire works pretty well..as for the rest...Buy Pike on the Fly, and Tim Holshlag's Fly Fishing for Smallmouth book. Too much to cover on an internet forum. Hope you have a great trip.

[flyrodman]

Thanks Gavin. I was going to bring one fly rod and my baitcaster. Would an 8 wt be too much for smallmouth and too little for pike? I wasn't planning on throwing huge streamers but some articulated patterns and some smaller poppers so I don't think I would need a 10wt for that.

[Gavin]

If you dont plan to toss half a chicken at em...I'd go with a 7wt...should handle your average sized pike, and any smallmouth that you'd encounter....If big pike are in the mix.toss that caster. Figure out what flies your bringing then go try some rods...see if they work for you with what you intend to bring.