Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2022 - 15

flies are effective for big fall trout but difficult to cast
and retrieve all day. I have more consistent success
with streamers size 6 and smaller than I have with
articulated flies. The classic streamer patterns-
Woolly Buggers, Muddler Minnows, and Bunny
Leeches-that have been around for decades are still
some of the best.
If you are using a streamer that is too big, you will
get a lot of chases or bumps but no hookups. Often,
the bumps are trout nipping at the fly's tail rather
than committing to the strike and taking in the whole
thing. Scale down your fly, and hookups will increase.
Fall is unique, though, because hungry spawning
fish do not always take a fly. There is also competition
for prime spawning ground, and their territorial
nature kicks in. Anything perceived as a threat can
draw a strike, so you can sometimes get away with
fishing bigger streamers now compared to other times
of year. When I am looking to take advantage of these
situations, I prefer streamers that have flash or colors
similar to that of a spawning fish. Steelhead go for
pink and silver. Flies that are orange or black with
flash can be deadly for Brook Trout and Brown Trout.
Big fish, big flies, and big water all require a
heavier rig. In bigger, fast-flowing rivers, 7- to
9-weight fast action rods are preferred. For smaller
streams, 5- to 6-weight fast action rods are ideal.
When steelhead are on the docket, bigger is better
regardless of stream size.
There may not be a wrong way to fish streamers.
The prey streamers imitate are dynamic. They seldom
travel in predictable patterns and may head up or
downstream on a whim or dart for cover to avoid
predators. Most days, I prefer to cast quartering
slightly downstream and then slowly retrieving back
up through the current. Other days, I dead drift as I
would a nymph.
The most common method involves an active
retrieve. Streamers are typically stripped, and the
speed depends on the mood of the fish. Lethargic fish
require a slower presentation, and aggressive fish will
attack anything that resembles food. However, this can
change quickly. As any avid steelhead angler will tell
you, never mind what worked yesterday; this is today.
Every situation is unique, and every fish has its own
temperament. Some simply will not chase while others
attack as soon as the fly hits the water.
In my experience, I miss more trout by fishing
A black Krystal Bugger (size 6) is the author's favorite streamer for
fall Brown Trout.
too fast than too slow. Sometimes, even in fast water,
the trout just need time to identify the fly as food to
react. If you are trying to spark a territorial response,
allowing the fly to hang near the fish an extra moment
or two can trigger a strike.
When fished in a variety of ways and according to
conditions, streamers are a great choice for fall trout
and steelhead.
September/October 2022
15
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2022

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