Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
No. Many of our clients are new to fly fishing, and some have never held a fly rod. We'll teach you how to cast and fish right on the water, at a pace that works for you.
Yes. We provide fly rods, reels, line, and flies built for pike and musky. You're welcome to bring your own gear if you'd like.
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid North Dakota fishing license. You can buy one online through North Dakota Game and Fish before your trip. Please have it with you on the boat.
Dress in layers, since weather on the lake can change fast. Bring rain gear, a hat, & sunscreen. Sunglasses are a must for eye protection when casting big flies, and polarized lenses help you see fish in the water. And, as always, the right attitude helps, too.
Kids of all ages are welcome!
Yes. Pike x Fly is veteran-owned, and we're proud to serve those who served. Veterans fish free.
Access at some of the lakes we fish can be a challenge for anglers with limited mobility, but we'll work to find a solution whenever we can. Please mention any mobility needs on our contact form, and we'll talk through options together when we schedule your trip.
"On a bait rod, on regular gear fishing, you just have a heavy line, you just crank them in. As long as you have a good hook set, you don’t have to worry about anything. But when you have a fly rod, the rod actually does the fighting for you, with how much it flexes, and you get to feel the fish a lot more. It’s a whole different connection." - Bob Bartz, Owner & Guide
Trip Details
We have half-day trips that are 4 hours, and full day trips that are 8 hours.
All trips include gear & flies. The half-day trip includes snacks & water and the full day trip includes lunch.
We will send meet up details after booking.
Best times change with the moon phase and weather impacts. We work with you to plan those details after dates are booked.
Yes, but they count toward the two-person maximum. We throw big flies, and too many people in the boat becomes a safety issue
Yes. Restrooms are available at all of the lakes we fish both at the ramps and reachable during the trip.
On the Water
Yes. We fish from deep V boats with high, spacious decks built for fly casting. Each trip takes a maximum of two people, so everyone has room to cast those big flies safely.
Yes. Lake Audubon has catchable populations of musky, pike, and bass. Lake Sakakawea and Lake Tschidahave higher numbers of pike and bass but no musky.
Musky fishing is a grind. Catching one musky in a day is good fishing. This isn't about how many fish you catch. It's about landing the one on fly gear.
Musky are catch and release, all other species is up to the angler.
Yes. Every person on board has a life jacket, including kids.
Unpredictable, but we make the best of it. If the wind is blowing too hard to fly fish, we can switch gear, reschedule, or cancel. If we cancel for weather, your deposit rolls to a new date.
Booking & Deposits
If you want to fish the prime months for the species, you need to book early to secure a spot. Book Here
Yes. A $50 deposit via Venmo holds your trip date. Venmo: @RJBARTZ
You can cancel at any time, but the deposit is non-refundable. If we cancel for weather, your deposit rolls to a new date.
Balance is due at the end pf the outing, you can pay via Venmo or cash. Venmo: @RJBARTZ
No, but I will help plan a surprise for the hubby.
Tips aren't required, but they're always appreciated. Many anglers tip their guide 15 to 20 percent of the trip cost.