reevesr1 Posted December 17, 2007 Share Posted December 17, 2007 I have a question about fishing streamers in the winter: I know I need to use enough weight to ensure I get it (or them) down. But do you significantly slow down your retrieve as well? Let it sit longer at the end of the swing? I would also think that dead drifting or stripping very slowly when casting upstream might work as well? Any help here would be appreciated. My streamer effectiveness is near 0. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toolman Posted December 17, 2007 Share Posted December 17, 2007 I would recommend using a sink tip such as a 10' fast sink, Trout polyleader (type 3-6, 12lb. core) with 2'-3' of tippet added and an unweighted or lightly weighted fly (clousers, buggers, leeches etc.) Sink tips are easier to cast than a weighted streamer/split shot/tapered mono leader. Lightly weighted streamers will have a more natural swim presentation. Most days during the colder months, I find it is important to fish the streamer very slowly, when swinging and/or retreiving. The slower the better. Today I was swinging a #14 Royal Coachman on an intermediate tip (slow sink) and getting a lot of grabs on the dangle in the shallow, slack water. Smaller trout, but lots of fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanJuanWorm Posted December 17, 2007 Share Posted December 17, 2007 85% of my streamer fish are caught on the "swing". I dead drift em. Let the current take em and once the current catches teh streamer it lifts it. On this lift i find most of my strikes. Some of them will follow it to the end. This is where I give it 3 quick strips then hold, then recast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rusty Posted December 18, 2007 Share Posted December 18, 2007 How long are you fishing streamers for? Most people I've seen try them for a dozen casts then give it up. You have to stick with it. Fish them for a good two or even three hours - many times you fish streamers all day for a half dozen good grabs, and those might come over a half hour. The advantage to streamers is that you can cover more water, so I wouldn't spend too long fishing any one spot. No more than three good casts or swings through any good spot, then move out or step down. Change up the retrieves too - dead drift, slow strips, and sometimes (though rarely in the winter) quick short twitches. Fishing streamers in the winter can be a methodical game, but when it pays off it's often worth it. I agree with TM - the sinktips are great because they keep the fly down. I use a 200gr Streamer Express - it's a 30' tip with an intermediate running line. With a 4' leader and lightly weighted or unweighted fly you can dredge the slow deep pools where the big boys hang out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walker1 Posted December 20, 2007 Share Posted December 20, 2007 Russ Looking to buy a new sink tip as my current one has gone 3 years and is cracking and not casting as it once did. You know my streamer rod ( 7 wt. sage VPS). I have a SA wet tip express type 4. Want something a little faster sink rate and am open to options. Are you happy with your sink tip? Is this a SA? What are some of you others using? Thanks ps. How is the baby? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.