Polder pike from the East

Harmen-Jan & Erik, who are both a member of the “Vliegvisgroep Almelo” (Fly Fishing Group Almelo), which is a subsidiary of “Vislust Almelo” (Fishing Lust Almelo), had their annual piking day in november with their club in a polder in the eastern part from Holland (which is no more than 2 hours from the very western part of Holland).

For those of you that are new to these things: a Dutch "polder" is land made out of water. Don't ask us about the chemistry involved to pull this off, but it obviously seems to be working quite well since we build entire cities on (or rather: in) it. Anyway, the classic Dutch polders basically consist of totally flat grasslands with cows or sheep on it, and with smaller and bigger canals in between to drain the water (and drown the animals, as it turns out). This not only means lots of water, but also - and more important to us pike-flyfishermen - lots of shallow and accessable water.

In winter-time, the pike follow the baitfish to places where it is a bit deeper, or to more sheltered spots near trees or buildings. However, due to the relatively warm weather, Harmen-Jan, Erik and their club mates found that the baitfish (and hence the pike) were still scattered too much. So jumping from one hot spot to another didn't produce a lot of pike. It was a matter of casting, taking one step, one cast, one step, one cast, etc.

Eventually this method got them some fish, but it's usually not the way to catch large numbers of pike. At the end of the day, all club members had moved some fish and most managed to land 1 or 2. Not a lot, but more than enough to justify getting out there. Then again, when it comes to fly fishing, what on earth justifies not getting out there when you can?