I guess I’ll have to tie up a couple pike flies and drag out the 8wt if I go.
For the last ten years, or so, I make my annual trip to Peck for pike. Usually combine it with a little turkey hunting.
In the beginning years I tried alot of different pike flies. Eventually, through trial and error, two flies proved themselves time and again. This black bunny fly accounts for more pike hands down. Its called Barry's Pike Fly.
Typically I use a 10 wght rod with a Rio Outbound Short floating line. Leader is about 4' of 40lb flouro, with a 18" -24" of 20lb flouro length tied in with an Albright knot. On the end of the 20lb I fasten an "O" ring. Attached to the ring is about 6" of wire. I have a bunch of Tyger wire which is versatile for knots.
Unfortunately that company was a covid casualty.
Ive explored most of the Dry Arm. Caught pike at McGuire, Nelson, Rock creek, also further North to Duck creek. Shore fishing with fly can be tough...but in my experience the key is to find areas that have weed. In May it might not be fully developed, but its there. Drop offs a big plus. I walk pretty far looking for these spots, and disregard very sandy/ mud zones. Structure great too, but sometimes hard to find. The killer is wind, not because of casting difficulty but how it affects water quality. If the water is fouled up and has zero clarity dont waste your time. Last year the first day was great, but the wind picked up significantly and shut things down. I often watch the wind forecast prior to the trip. Sometimes you can strategically fish bays that are protected and not affected by the turbulence in the main body of the lake.
Often, the weather is unpredictable.
Long winded, but just trying to share Intel. Its so much gdamn fun.
Even more fun if you see cruising pike and coax them to chase your fly.
Anyway, every year the lake level is different...spots dont carry over from year to year.
Hope this helps.
