STREAMER FLY FISHING 

Trout attacking a streamer fly are not “leader shy.” Use 8 to 10 lb. regular untapered monofilament line 3 to 3 ½ feet long for your leader. Any longer and your fly tends to bounce and float upward. 

Cast straight across or slightly behind you toward the undercut river banks, log jams and deep pools. Often you will get a strike when the fly just hits the water. Sometimes the trout will follow the streamer right up to the side of the boat and hit so always be ready. 

Eighteen inch Brown Trout caught by Ralph Valentine

After casting, let your fly sink for a couple of seconds. Then hand strip in line using quick 6” to 12” stop and go jerks. (Slower in cold weather). Keep your rod tip very low to the water to keep fly running deep. Keep your rod at the correct angle to absorb the shock of a hard fish strike.

A twenty-six inch Brown Trout on a dry fly!

Remember, do not raise your rod to set the hook. Instead, use your hand to strip in line with a “hard” jerk. If you miss the strike, let your fly “play dead” for 2 – 3 seconds before starting your retrieve again. Trout will often “hit short” to “stun” their prey first, then attack it head first so they don’t choke on the spines. Try to keep the fish from going back under a log jam. If he’s in open water, let him run. Bow your rod and don’t play the fish to exhaustion or he could die. Remember, you’re using 8 to 10 lb. test line. Bring him to the side of the boat. I’ll grab the net and camera. 

NOTE: Stream fishing is really good when river is running higher due to new rainfall.