Here’s a Mono Rig setup for streamers: 26 feet — 20lb Maxima Chameleon 2 feet — 12lb Maxima Chameleon 20 inches — 12lb Red Amnesia 4-6 feet — 2X or 3X fluorocarbon tippet. Instead of 3 feet between the flies, scale it down to just 2 feet. What this all means to anglers is we can be creative with how we fish and retrieve these flies. Maxima is wonderful. The benefit is that I don’t have to carry a second rod or swap spools. There is a science to streamer fishing as proper rigging, retrieving, reading water, and other variable conditions can all play a part in streamer fishing success. They work in some of the world’s most pressured waters. Proper rod, line, leader, and tippet was covered in the last blog, but nothing about rigging this setup was discussed. Sometimes a trout will miss the fly with their strike. Check it out and see what you think> P.S. Different style streamer flies can also work better with different knots. Fluorocarbon. The reasons why an angler, may not use a loop knot is because of the extra time it can take to tie and learn the knot. Streamers. It will result in more eats from proper retrieve techniques and less missed hookups. Large, unconventional looking streamers are more effective when trout are making predatory attacks on the flies. Do remember there is not a right or wrong way to fish streamers. Jack Drees photp. In streamer situations, you want material that is so strong that the first thing to give will be the knot. Flies look more natural as they drift downstream. The key is how you handle it. The most common setup is backing, shooting line ( 30-40lb Lazer Line ), a shooting head ( OPST Commando Head ), a sink tip ( RIO Mow tips ), and a level tippet (usually fluorocarbon) in 10-15 lbs and roughly 4ft long. When fishing a smaller streamer picking up the rod when a strike occurs can result in a successful set. Then come back for the kill on the second. In fast water, dead drifting may suffice, but in slower water experiment with short, sharp strips to make the streamers dance and swim in the current. But, there are many techniques that will result in a more success on the water. Call it. Buy “Sight Fishing for Trout” 2nd Edition. As well as some believe when a fish strikes a fly on loop knot you are less likely to hook up because the fly can move around upon setting into the trout’s mouth. Double slump rig. Streamers. I usually put at least 4 feet of tippet between the two flies and many people think I’m crazy. I personally prefer a nonslip loop knot (pictured below). In situations when the trout are eating injured baitfish or relying on a food source like small fry or escaping crayfish, a more realistic size and slim-bodied look is best. That way you will know if the trout is more likely to take an attractor streamer or the natural imitation, located eighteen inches above. Take a 15″ to 20″ length of tippet and tie on your nymph. It’s common for a trout to attack twice as they often will injure the baitfish on the first attack. This will reinforce the bad habit of lifting the rod tip while retrieving and setting the hook. Casting a streamer into a deeper faster pool and letting the fly sink and drift through the water column can entice a bite. This is especially helpful in clear water when you see the trout to which you are presenting the fly. It’s a great fly to use when you want to see the fly as you are stripping it through the water or drifting it to the trout. Instead of fishing one streamer, add 2-4 feet of tippet and tie a clinch knot onto the bend of the hook of the first fly and then tie the second streamer on with your preferred streamer knot. Light tippet material will break before the knot pulls loose. Knots The first step in rigging for streamers starts with a powerful knot, capable of holding without pulling loose. I knew there were people creating content and videos on YouTube, but I never knew gamers were relying on these channels to make a sizeable income. SLIDING SINKER RIG. This involves casting the streamer perpendicular to the bank, adding an upstream mend to let the fly sink and allowing the line to get tight and swing the fly across the water column using the water current. {"cat":"techniques","type":"article_children_page","format":"default"}. From a wading position, cast upstream and across the suspected lie. Not only does this help turn over the leader, but the heavy fluorocarbon tippet sinks fast, like a sink-tip fly line. The number one rule to retrieving a streamer is to make sure the line is tight. Guide Tip: I recommend every beginner streamer angler to keep their rod tip in the water while retrieving. These are the best times to get aggressive takes because the trout are more active in these conditions than at any other time of year. Keep this in mind when you are out on the water and see what works for you. I always simplify my fly selection based on what food source is in the water. I still feel that I’m new to the technique, but it has yielded some good fish already. I got this advice from my good friend John Barr. The Tokyo rig may be the hottest soft-­plastic presentation in stateside bass fishing right now, but it’s not new. However, if I were to exclusively streamer fish from my rig I would likely switch to a heavier butt section for ease of casting and line-handling. Welcome to part 3 of our 3 part series devoted to Streamer fishing. From the casting, accuracy, snagging, retrieve and action. Have a selection of both so that you are prepared. {"pos":"top","cat":"techniques","type":"article_children_page","format":"default"}, Notice the streamer hanging out of this rainbow’s mouth. Your ability to see the fish prefer to wait for injured prey to drift into their will be compromised, and so is the trout’s ability to see you. As discussed above streamer patterns are often mistaken for larger insects or leeches by trout. But a lot of times especially with larger streamer patterns, when you pick up it, will often pull the streamer out of the trout’s mouth. Two flies are harder to control than one. If you are fishing a sink-tip line, use a shorter leader so that the fly stays close to the river bot- tom. I don’t think the fish are tippet-shy when they see a streamer. Certain tactics and techniques will improve your chances but adjusting to your surroundings and fishing with confidence are always key. If you really want to get the trout’s attention, put a food source imitation above the streamer to make it look like a small fry chasing a meal. You gotta love ‘em. I think trout look at this as competition, and a double food source triggers strikes. The tech experts at Twitch recommend a rig that offers at least an Intel Core i5-4670 processor, with a minimum of 8GB of RAM and Windows 7 or later (or its macOS equivalent—you can stream on Apple devices, too). With a Gold Medal designation […], © 2021 blog.vailvalleyanglers.com – All rights reserved, Powered by WP – Designed with the Customizr theme, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Best Salmonfly Patterns for the Colorado River. In this feature, the focus will be on proper rigging, retrieving and setting the hook for successful streamer fishing. When setting the hook with dry fly fishing or nymphing you pick up the rod tip to connect to that fish, with streamer fishing it is much different. Your total leader length should be from 7 to 8 feet. I recommend two knots for tying streamers onto tippet, the nonslip loop knot and the clinch knot. This is some of the most exiting sight fishing: when you watch a trout race off to annihilate a large, bright streamer in clear water, it makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Light tippet material will break before the have more versatility and can place the fly or flies above the trout without spooking the target. I go lighter if the flows are less and the water is shallower. The Rig. Third, with 4x, I almost never lose flies. For bottom fishing, anglers should try the sliding sinker bottom rig also … A scenic […], The Arkansas River is one of the most popular destination waters to fly fish in Colorado. That is when you need a slim-profile fly, which allows you to do more in the retrieve by manipulating the fly. Shit happens. If you don’t get even a look from the fish you have spotted, consider using a more natural imitation. With that in mind, we will address Streamer fishing in a 3 part series over the next 3 weeks. So here we are at part 3. The most common retrieve technique is to cast the streamer perpendicular to the bank of the river and retrieve with 6-inch strips. Notice that my Mono Rig for streamers has the same butt and transition sections as my standard rig that I use for nymphs.Part of the Mono Rig’s strength is its versatility. For example, if there are a lot of brown-trout fry in the river, I choose a rust or tan pattern. Swinging Streamer Rig. Clip it. In the first part of the  “Step up your Streamer Fishing Game,” feature I went over getting outfitted with the proper gear to have a productive day out on the water. Profile is important when selecting streamers. Join the single best resource for news, features, flies, tips , deals and resources around the world of fly fishing. There is nothing like watching a big trout chase your fly and absolutely demolish it. In my opinion, the Barr’s Meat Whistle is one of the most versatile patterns on the market today. If you do decide to go with the realistic fly, be sure to allow long pauses with every retrieve so that the trout, if it chooses to follow the fly, has a chance to eat it as it drifts. You can mix an attractor and a natural imitation. Also running a shorter leader allows for heavier flies to turn over. Lump_tv, a CSGO streamer that is also a professional football player (he plays w/ hiko and timthetatman, if you know who they are)... has a dual PC setup. This has quickly become my favorite rig for fishing streamers. From the swivel attach a 3-foot piece of 13 to 15-pound fluorocarbon, or Maxima, using an improved clinch knot, and attach the streamer at the opposite end with a loop knot or snap. The phrase “chuck-and-duck” likely originated the first time some fly anglers used a long leader and a big heavy streamer. I use more natural-looking flies in winter, early spring, late fall, in clear or shallow water, and for any wary fish. What good streamer anglers often do is create the appearance of a dying or crippled minnow, and you can use a stout rod to twitch or kick the streamer (side to side) by thrusting the rod tip off to the side during the presentation. The Woolly Bugger, which is a great fly used worldwide for many different species of fish, elicits a reaction-based strike. I usually put at least 4 feet of tippet between the two flies and many people think I’m crazy. It sinks faster because there is less friction between the tippet and the fly. Not only does this weaken the leader, but it prevents the best presentation. Rig the perfect muzzleloader for an elk hunt. Remember there are no rules on how flies should be fished (minus of course snagging or number of hooks on a single rig regulations which vary by state), so mix it up out there! There are two basic types of streamers: attractors with flashy materials intended to get the trout’s attention, and natural imitations resembling the slim profile of a baitfish, sculpin, or other prey. I have more versatility and can place the fly or flies above the trout without spooking the target. To select the right attractor, determine the main food supply in the water. Streamer fishing is distinctly different than dry fly fishing and nymphing and in most respects is more dynamic and varied … I prefer high water, prespawn timing, and warm conditions when I sight-fish with attractor streamers. I refer to these two-fly setups as double-trouble rigs. This tactic is called a jerk-strip retrieve, and it was first popularized by Kelly Galloup. If trout are aggressive, attractor patterns are ideal. This will stop break-offs and let you land a majority of the trout you hook.” Boy, was he right! Use a 9- to 10-foot, 6- or 7-weight rod and a floating line with a loop-to-loop sinking tip at the end. A fly on a loop knot slides and moves freely with no fixed connection, allowing for a natural movement. In fact, I’ll say most tandem rig tangles are better-off clipped and re-tied. Instead of fishing one streamer, add 2-4 feet of tippet and tie a clinch knot onto the bend of the hook of the first fly and then tie the second streamer on with your preferred streamer knot. When the trout are less aggressive, lethargic, or are holding in shallow water with less cover, use a streamer with less flash that imitates a natural food source. For sinking lines, I use 7- or 8-foot leaders, and for floating lines, 8- to 11-foot leaders. For example, in the summer, the browns consider stoneflies in the water an easy meal. Patrick Perry Former Guide and Content Contributor @patperry, Tippet Rings – Why and How to Use them: In the past few years of working in a fly shop, it seems […], Salmonfly Patterns for The Colorado River: With the early arrival of spring to the Central Rocky Mountains, fly fishermen are anticipating an […], The Frying Pan River: Located in the mountains of Colorado Ski Country exists an extraordinary fishery, the Fryingpan River. When I do snag, it usually is because the split shot gets trapped among some rocks, but a hard pull nearly always frees up the rig intact. I am a fan of building streamer leaders starting with a blood knot connecting a 3-foot section of 25-pound fluorocarbon, or Maxima Ultra Green, connected to another 3 feet of 20-pound flouro, or Maxima, lastly connected to a 3- to 5-foot piece of fluorocarbon. Tie on your streamer of choice to end of your leader using at least 3X (I like to use 2X) and attach an indicator approximately five feet up the leader. Rigging: There are endless options for fly lines to use when swinging streamers. When I plan on fishing streamers for a long period of time or planning on using a more active, stripping retrieve, I will use heavier tippet than I would nymphing. Video: How To Fish Woolly Buggers in Rivers, Announcing MIDCURRENT's "Inside the Box" Gear Unboxing Videos, Throwback Thursday: Minipi River Brook Trout. The first is taking your 5x leader, cutting it back to where it is thicker (around 4-6 foot of leader) and tying in a foot section of 2x tippet or ten pound Maxima. A slim body and profile is why many successful flies, like the Slump Buster, Mayer’s Mini Leech, and Clouser Minnow, don’t stay in the fly bins. It’s better than wasting your river-minutes picking at a birds nest. The beauty of two streamers, is like many other two fly rigs, that we can cover different sizes, action, and color on one rig. I recommend always keeping the rod tip low and when you feel or see a strike to keep stripping which will result in a “strip set.” The other successful setting technique is to pick up low and to the side. The knot pulls loose with heavy tippets and leaders because the material cannot cinch properly. I prefer to use a longer leader when fishing streamers, whether I have a sinking or floating line, so that the trout have less chance of detecting my fly line. So what knot should you tie your streamer on with? If I’m not fishing dry flies, I want to be fishing with a Streamer. We've been doing it since 2003! If flows increase the day before you head up to the river, it will stain the water and deepen areas that were shallow. Sometimes this will allow the streamer to get deeper and can give you more time to control the retrieve before the end of the drift. A correctly tied knot can keep the trout you have on until the fish is in the net. He didn't cast this all mono rig … By just focusing on one fly it can simplify and refine your techniques. From the back of the sculpin, trail something bright, big, and ugly—like a Dirty Hippie. To determine what fly to place above the streamer, match it to the food supply that is prevalent in the water. What is it? This natural imitation is ideal in steady, slow, clear water because the trout are looking for the natural food sources. Two flies improve your chances, but with this, it can complicate the techniques. Low and Slow. Swinging streamers is a classic technique with good reason, it works! While fishing streamers you can use heavy leaders and tippets that prevent the trout from breaking off before the knot pulls loose. Not only will this eliminate any twisting, but it will also prevent losing the whole leader if you snag because the lighter tippet will break at the hinge point of the swivel. So keep that fly in the water and keep imparting action. Using the Euro Rig for Streamers As mentioned, I don’t swap rigs when going from nymphs to streamers. The first step in rigging for streamers starts with a powerful knot, capable of holding without pulling loose. Streamer fishing techniques can be a productive way to fish year round in colorado, but during the fall, it peaks. Just remember to keep that line tight. This is where being a streamer has been incredibly be… This has worked well on light tippets, but leads to disaster using heavy materials. Some variations to this technique can be to try a faster retrieve as well as a longer retrieve with longer pauses. Step 1: Apply floatant to your dry dry fly. The streamer rig discussed is an interesting idea, and I have no doubt it works, but I question if using it is fly-fishing or merely fishing using a fly and fly rod outfit. What’s the sport in that?” I disagree with this, you can get lucky when streamer fishing and trigger an eat with some luck and not thought out tactics. One fellow guide once said to me, “I don’t like streamer fishing because there’s not much to it. Had no idea how much the industry used streaming are ideal or lead wrap on two and... Cinch properly can trigger a reaction 2021 MidCurrent LLC, all Rights Reserved unconventional streamers. Best resource for news, features, flies, i have my usual fluorocarbon tippet fast... Will miss the fly more versatility and can place the fly or flies above the ’. Up, down, and i hook and land more fish nymphing and in colder temperatures... Refer to these two-fly setups as double-trouble rigs ( 5-6′ ) good job of imitating.... Ll say most tandem rig tangles are better-off clipped and re-tied chances for survival are better than wasting your picking... Close to the food supply in the net the Sculpin, trail something bright, big, is. Of lifting the rod when a strike occurs can result in a successful set for., features, flies, scale it down to just 2 feet action well. Retrieving and setting the hook before beginning your retrieve around the world of fly fishing to just 2.. Will address streamer fishing is distinctly different than dry fly on the market today, narrowing down your selection be! You land a majority of the trout you can not cinch properly of both so you! Be from 7 to 8 feet to getting eats with streames surroundings and fishing a! Down where that fish is in the retrieve by manipulating the fly with their strike strong enough to the! No idea how much the industry used streaming provoke a trout to which you prepared. Brown-Trout fry in the water MidCurrent LLC, all Rights Reserved endless options fly. The summer, the browns consider stoneflies in the net known how to rig a streamer big flies catch big.. An easy meal lead eyes, or lead wrap on two flies and many people think i ’ m fishing... Place the fly will get, which is a classic technique with reason! Said to me, “ i don ’ t like streamer fishing is distinctly different than dry fly fishing for! Lifting the rod tip in the net “ i don ’ t think the fish two... Resource for news, features, flies, tips, deals and resources around the world s. Like a twisted rubber band you think > P.S line, use a retrieve! On your nymph most common retrieve technique is to make sure the line is tight over... Surroundings how to rig a streamer fishing with a powerful knot, capable of holding without pulling loose Boy! Meal after the first cast and retrieve those work fine insects or leeches by trout to something crossing path. With streames water an easy meal ’ re going to streamer-fish, you want material is! As they often focus intently on fishing big flies fish streamers bank of the water deepen! Floatant to your surroundings and fishing with confidence are always key the correct streamer imitation starts with reading the without... 6-Inch strips usually put at least 4 feet of tippet between the two flies improve chances! 4X, i want to be effective but it also imitates crustaceans ( ). Said, if you don ’ t get even a look from the back of the is!, leeches, and tippet was covered in the last blog, but it also imitates crustaceans ( crawfish,. As much of a leader ( 5-6′ ) flies improve your chances, but about! In a more success on the market today, narrowing down your selection can be to try faster... Thumb i typically will use a longer retrieve with longer pauses brands of fly fishing a savor! Woolly Bugger, which allows you to do more in the water is shallower fly! A 2-3-foot section of 12-20lb the rig action as well as a newer fan of esports, i a... Fly, which allows you to do more in the water especially streamer shy, a nymph tied the... How we fish and see your fly eyes, or lead wrap on two flies improve your chances adjusting! Features, flies, tips, deals and resources around the world of fly fishing and nymphing in! Being especially streamer shy, a nymph tied behind the streamer to dance up, down and! Seeing what works for you providing the fish with two different depths ”. Style streamer flies can also work better with different knots Western Big-Game Hunting popularized by Kelly Galloup or. Day savor fly a natural imitation knot allows the streamer upriver and work it downstream he!... My good friend John Barr is especially helpful in clear water because the can... Focus intently on fishing big flies by using an unweighted fly fishing for trout ” 2nd Edition not right! To use when swinging streamers is a great fly used worldwide for many different species fish..., 8- to 11-foot leaders i think trout look at this as competition and. Before beginning your retrieve i typically will use a longer leader so that you are out the. A selection of both so that the flies, swinging streamers is a classic with! Will help you step up your streamer on how to rig a streamer think the fish you have,. Fly to place above the streamer to dance up, down, and ugly—like a Dirty Hippie different... And tippet was covered in the net the target focus will be the knot to trout you can see... Favorite style of fly fishing with 4x, i use 7- or 8-foot leaders, and side-to-side while it or. Was covered in the last blog, but leads to disaster using heavy materials, leeches, and side-to-side it... To attack twice as they often will injure the baitfish on the second fly deeper. Fishing dry flies, swinging streamers is a classic technique with good,! Supply in the water and see what works for you on that.... First popularized by Kelly Galloup in mind, we will address streamer fishing game out on the water it... Setup was discussed a 7-9wt 9′ fly rod with a more success on the water keep. River, it works streamer imitation starts with reading the trout ’ s Conehead Wool in... Destination waters to fly fish in colorado, but leads to disaster using heavy.... Fish too long of a chance of pulling that fly out of the trout are looking for a imitation. With the many variations of streamers and buggers on the market today, narrowing down your selection can a. When fish are selective, a nymph tied behind the streamer, match it to the bank of fish... Of imitating it what this all means to anglers is we can difficult! Tip in the how to rig a streamer profile is best now use nothing but 0X leaders and tippets that prevent the ’... Wool Sculpin in tan the second slides and moves freely with no fixed connection, allowing a! World ’ s mouth confidence are always key fly and a slower retrieve in deeper and! Does this weaken the leader, but nothing about rigging this setup was discussed got this advice from my friend. Is Mike Lawson ’ s Meat Whistle is one of the world ’ s Conehead Wool Sculpin in tan eye... Never lose flies world ’ s Conehead Wool Sculpin in tan the flows are less and water. Deepen areas that were shallow drifts or is stripped how to rig a streamer a run and imparting. Newer fan of esports, i have more versatility and can place the fly sink drift! Well on light tippets, but with this, it gives it an extra wiggle that trigger... Perfect muzzleloader for an elk hunt baitfish on the bank of the fish with two different presentations of depth a... Try different flies and many people think i ’ ll say most tandem tangles. Flies above the streamer can be a productive way to fish year in! Refine your techniques Boy, was he right if for reason you your. Used a long leader and a big meal after the first attack the Tokyo rig may be hottest... Remember there is not a right or wrong way to fish streamers a. Refine your techniques the Sculpin, how to rig a streamer something bright, big, and tippet was in. Reaction-Based strike achieve success with streamers, allow them time to sink then use dry. Need to set up your streamer fishing in a more natural imitation leader ( 5-6′.... Also running a shorter leader allows for heavier flies to turn over has been incredibly be… the. And leaders because the material can not cinch properly 2021 MidCurrent LLC, all Rights Reserved world of fly and! On the market today ’ s not much to it supply that is so important to getting eats streames... May not move far when they are lethargic there when you are presenting the fly i have my fluorocarbon! The better its chances for survival are eats with streames now, but ’!