Pikeview Reservoir - September, 2023

Fly fishing for tiger muskie in Pineview Reservoir

After the AFFTA confluence show in Salt Lake City we went for a two day trip to chase tiger muskies in Pineview reservoir. We knew upfront that it would be tough. And so it was! Extremely tough!!

Pineview is a beautiful lake turing into fall colours in September. Fall waterlevel should be low but casting was not easy in a lot of spots. The best way to fish the lake would therefore be from a boat. Not only to reach all potential spots but also to move around quickly on this big lake. 

In two days of fly fishing 10 hours a day each, Rudy van Duijnhoven and myself both blanked. I saw one tiger moving out of sight before I could cast to it. Rudy saw one break the surfice twice and he had a follower. That's it! Walking the banks I did find more proof that tiger muskie inhabit these waters. Unfortunately it was a meter plus fish that was not eating anymore.

For the fun of it I went to a local hardware store to buy a jig fly as I had seen a lot of small baitfish moving around the rocks. No jig flies in stock so I bought the smallest jig they had. Czech nymphed the rocks with my 9ft 8 weight. It was fun for half an hour. Landed lots of small mouth bass and bluegills. I guess that's what the tiger muskie feed on.

So the tiger muskie stays on the bucket list. Will be back some day. Chasing tigers with my greentooth fly rod. The 9ft #7/8 was perfect for fly fishing from shore. It's a powerfull tool to cast 15cm to 20cm streamers and it has enough body to land the biggest of pike/muskie. I will be back!

Tight lines,

Peter Elberse