Why fish with streamers? There are so many reasons! If anglers are into landing Frankenstein-size fish, then fill the fly box with streamers and get the heavy rod out.
Streamer Rationale
Streamers are big, ugly flies that sink fast and swim naturally. They give trout fishers and added advantage because trout rarely see objects of this size and appearance. Trout have little defense when teased with a streamer. Big fish eat other fish, plus many other aquatic creatures. They need the calories of big lunch, so oftentimes, they'll nail it!
When fishing streamers, a delicate, graceful casting stroke is unnecessary. Though, what should be graceful is the presentation, where retrieving the fly is the key.
How to Fish Streamers
When using streamers, take a big rod (5-, 6-, or 7-weight), and big flies. Toss out a burly streamer above the general area where fish hold. Let streamers sink a moment, then strip in the monstrosity, varying the rate of speed, and number of stops.. The keys are locating the target depth, and finding the optimum retrieval speed. It has to appear natural for trout to strike.
Start with a sluggish delivery, slow the casting stroke down, and open up the stroke some for a less fatiguing movement. Chunking streamers for hours will give your arms and back a muscle burn that can rival a Pilates workout. This is about big fish, so one might need to sacrifice a little sweat.
And since streamers catch big fish, cut off the normal tippet and tie on 3X, or utilize a leader tapering down to 2X or 3X. Keep leaders short, four to six feet.
Best Times to Fish Streamers
- in spring runoff
- in muddy water after a rain
- if there are few rises and no sign of a hatch
- when fishing deep pools, plunges, or shelves
- when fishing cutbanks
- when traversing lots of water quickly
- when ambient temperatures are frigid
- fishing in lakes for trout or bass
- when big fish is the ticket
- when it's necessary to get a fly down to fish holding deep in pools
- when fish hold under limbs and other obstructions
- when fishing riffles and runs and gravel bars in bigger rivers
- when there are long stretches of pocket water with a multitude of obstructions
- when trout are feeding on bottom-dwelling nymphs
- on overcast and rainy days
- early in the morning and in the evenings.
As the theory goes, big baits attract big fish. Streamer fishing is big bait fishing, and won't take much skill or grace whatsoever. If a trophy is the calling for the day, or water conditions aren't stellar, follow these tips and pull a record from the depths with a streamer. It could be a momentous decision.
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