Photo Galleries

Arnold Stene negotiates shallow rapids as he heads toward a favored fishing spot. Stene and Michael Pearce had to drag the boat about 250 yards through the shallows to reach the lake.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

The silver markings where an aluminum boat was dragged over shallow rocks to access a great fishing hole.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

Big northern pike can be suckers for huge flies, like this pattern that's designed for saltwater fly-fishing.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

Michael Pearce with a 45 1/2-inch northern pike caught on a fly rod while fishing with his friend/guide, Arnold Stene.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

The vast waters of northern Saskatchewan are some of the best places to catch big northern pike. The fish are usually feeding in the shallows.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

Guide Arnold Stene with a big northern pike. After 20-plus years of guiding for the fish, he still has a boyish enthusiasm.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

A 44 1/2-inch northern pike that weighed an estimated 24 pounds.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

Guide Arnold Stene with a big northern pike. After 20-plus years of guiding for the fish, he still has a boyish enthusiasm.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

Part of a traditional shore lunch: fried potatoes and onions.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

Arctic grayling are like the bluegill of the north country. They have trouble passing up a chance to hit a dry-fly.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

Arnold Stene shows the trademark dorsal fin of an Arctic grayling.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

A good weedy bay for northern pike.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

Arnold Stene pilots a boat across a calm Canadian lake. Coming back that afternoon, the waves were very high.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle

Northern pike will hit a variety of lures. This is one of dozens that hit this bright Mepps spinner fished by Arnold Stene. Note the paint missing from the lure's blade.

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Michael Pearce / The Wichita Eagle