The Rat Streamer is a fun pattern to fish for Pike and other predators like big trout. The best time is around dawn and when it is too dark for nymph or dry fly fishing. You may vary the size down to a small mouse, depending on what you're targeting. With the rod clamped between your body and arm, you can strip with both hands to create a smooth and consistent wave around the rat which will attract a lot and makes every take spectacular!
Tip: Always keep stripping until the fish is hooked propperly. A trout-set will lead to false hook most of the time and the fish is gone. By keep stripping you'll even have a chance of a second attack if the fish doesn't really hit the fly on the first take. Not a rare situation and sometimes they chase your fly attacking several times. :-)