Barry's Pike Fly

Barry's Pike Fly is a legendary pattern designed by Barry Reynolds, a name synonymous with chasing toothy predators on the fly. This pattern is often considered the "original" modern pike fly and remains a staple in tackle boxes for a reason. It uses a classic design that relies on the natural movement of rabbit fur to trigger aggressive strikes from Northern Pike and Musky. The Red/White color combination creates high contrast that stands out in dark or stained water. If you are targeting large predatory fish, this fly belongs in your rotation.

What It Imitates

This fly does not copy one specific fish, but it mimics the general shape and movement of a large baitfish. The long rabbit strip tail and body undulate in the water, looking like a struggling prey item. This "breathing" action convinces predators that the fly is alive and vulnerable.

How To Use It

Fish this fly with a strip-pause retrieve. The magic happens during the pause. When you strip the line, the materials streamline and dart forward. When you stop, the rabbit fur puffs out and pulses. This sudden change in size and movement often triggers the bite. It works well on a floating line for shallow bays or a sink-tip line to get down into weed beds. Use a wire bite tippet to prevent the sharp teeth of a pike from cutting your leader.

When To Use It

Use Barry's Pike Fly when you are searching specifically for pike or musky in lakes and rivers. The Red/White color is excellent for water that is murky or stained, as the bright colors help the fish find the fly. It is also a great choice in colder water. Because the rabbit fur moves even when the fly is sitting still, you can fish it slowly when the fish are lethargic.

Why We Like It

We like this fly because it solves the problem of movement without needing a complicated retrieve. The materials do the work for you. It is tied on a strong 3/0 hook that can handle the jaw pressure of a large pike. The durability of the materials means you can catch multiple fish on the same fly before needing to change it.

Comparisons

Barry's Pike Fly vs. Lefty's Deceiver: Barry's Pike Fly is made primarily of rabbit fur, while Lefty's Deceiver uses feathers and bucktail. The rabbit fur on Barry's fly absorbs water, making it heavier to cast but giving it much more pulsating movement in the water. The Deceiver is lighter and easier to cast all day, but it has a sleeker profile that pushes less water. Choose Barry's fly when you want maximum action and vibration.

Barry's Pike Fly vs. EP Baitfish: The EP Baitfish is tied with synthetic fibers that shed water instantly. This makes the EP fly very light and easy to cast, even in large sizes. However, the synthetic material is stiffer and does not breathe like the natural rabbit fur on Barry's Pike Fly. If you need to cast long distances quickly, the EP fly is a good choice. If you are fishing slower and want the fly to look alive during the pause, choose Barry's Pike Fly.

Barry's Pike Fly vs. Umpqua Pike Fly: The standard Umpqua Pike Fly often uses a similar bunny strip design but may lack the specific proportions and collar density of Barry's signature pattern. Barry's version is designed specifically to maintain a large profile in the water. While both will catch fish, Barry's Pike Fly is the specific design proven by Reynolds over decades of specialized pike fishing.