Author Topic: Downstream Streamer fishing (Read 1542 times)

Mason Sims · « **on:** November 03, 2011, 08:10:08 AM »

I have a couple of questions about streamer fishing. I don`t fish streamers that much but i have heard several different ways to fish them, and usually fish them downstream but was wondering if this was the most effective way to fish them. I also miss a lot of fish when i try to set the hook. Any suggestions?

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #1 on:** November 03, 2011, 04:55:17 PM »

Same with on the lakes, one way to increase hookups is to do short strip sets until you feel the weight of the fish. Resist the urge to lift the rod and pull your flies away from the fish until it's time.

Mason Sims · « **Reply #2 on:** November 03, 2011, 08:46:21 PM »

Does this same principle apply to fast flowing rivers?

Dell Neighbours · « **Reply #3 on:** November 04, 2011, 06:36:21 AM »

Mason, swinging streamers down stream is probably the easiest way to fish them and you don't need to set the hook, the fish and the water flow will take care of it. However, I prefer to use a jerk strip across the stream, this gives the trout a nice broadside view of the streamer. A lot of times they will chase it halfway across the river and eat it right at your feet. When you see one chasing don't slow down and wait for him, keep stripping, if he wants to eat it he can catch it. Most of the time they will eat it on the strip (streamer pauses briefly) and you will feel them on the jerk, then you strip set. God I love streamer fishing.

Mason Sims · « **Reply #4 on:** November 04, 2011, 07:06:59 AM »

Oh okay i had some serious heart break on my trip to the south holston during high water. Had a monster rainbow follow my streamer and i dropped it to try to get him to eat and he just swam off. Thanks for the information Dell. Hey on one of your previous posts you said to tie up some 16s and 18s for the nanthala. what fly should i tie in 16s and 18s? pheasant tails?

Dell Neighbours · « **Reply #5 on:** November 06, 2011, 10:04:17 PM »

Most of mine are actually baron's...I like the biot bodies...I'll be at the nan tomorrow if you want to swing by I'll show you my box and we can fish some...

Mason Sims · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2011, 09:09:18 AM »

Hey dell sorry i didn`t look at the forum before i went. I would love to meet there sometime and fish. This weekend i am going to the competition in Dahlonga Georgia to be a judge. Really excited about it!! Tried fishing streamers on the lower nantahala and got crushed a couple of times but missed the fish. I did catch some fish on nymphs but i lost a lot of flies from being careless but will not happen again. Can`t wait to fish there again!

Mark Adams · « **Reply #7 on:** November 07, 2011, 05:24:01 PM »

I'm with you Dell, I love fishing streamers. Mason, I have yet to find a wrong way to fish them. One of my favorite ways is casting down and across. I then let the fly swing until it is straight downstream and use a hand-twist retrieve. As has been mentioned, a strip set is key as this will save you a lot of misses. Tie one on and experiment.
Mark

Mason Sims · « **Reply #8 on:** November 07, 2011, 08:01:08 PM »

I will eventually. I am going to the comp. this weekend to be a judge. I will be back to fish streamers at the south holston and hopefully catch a ton like last time and a lot of big ones like last time. My little brother is going with us so i am acting as a guide to hook him a big one. Am going to teach him to cast tomorrow. thought streamer fishing would be the easiest method for him to fish and hook a monster.

Cody Powell · « **Reply #9 on:** November 07, 2011, 09:05:15 PM »

I have my best success with streamers casting upstream and working them back. As stated, and especially this time of year, let the fish have a chance to eat. Unlike with pulling it upstream or on the swing the fish will not hook themselves as often but they will grab it and it seems good, but make sure you set.

Mason Sims · « **Reply #10 on:** November 07, 2011, 09:18:25 PM »

I will thanks for all the info guys. can`t wait to go back to the south holston that`s where I will get to try all these streamer tactics mentioned. Dejon i sent you a profile picture i saw the discussion on it so I just sent you one on the email address mentioned in the discussion.

Bob Streb · « **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2012, 07:31:01 PM »

I simply can not get enough of streamer fishing. Year in year out it produces the largest trout of the year for both my buddies, myself and clients. I agree with the downstream presentation method (the direction my streamer is going) you want your streamers to appear scared and downstream is the easiest escape route. We solve alot of the misses by fishing tandem streamers, show a big Brown of fall a chunk of meat and it may piss him off, show him 2 and he usually cant handle it. Check out the article "Double Dose" in the Sept-Oct 2010 issue of American Angler.