Streamer fishing is an exciting way to chase trout and other many other species. But for many anglers, it also raises new questions—what rod weight should I use? Do I need a sinking line? Which streamers should I fish? What is a strip set?
To help break it down, we sat down with our marketing manager, Blake Katchur, to answer some of the most common questions we hear in the shop about streamer fishing. Blake shared tips for both newcomers and experienced anglers looking to up their streamer game.
Q: Why do anglers get so interested in streamer fishing this time of year?
Blake: Streamers can be effective year-round, but in the fall we see a big surge in interest. Anglers want to try it for the first time, or they’re ready to invest in a dedicated streamer setup. At the shop, I usually start by asking whether someone wants to dabble with the gear they already own, or if they want a dedicated rod, reel, and line for streamer fishing.
Q: What if someone wants to try streamer fishing with their current rod?
Blake: That’s a great way to start. I’ll start by asking what rod weight they’re using now, because that determines the flies and lines we recommend. For example, a five-weight isn’t ideal for casting big, articulated streamers—you’ll wear yourself out. But there are plenty of smaller effective patterns that work well on a five-weight: Sparkle Minnows, Slump Busters, and classics like Woolly Buggers, Crystal Buggers, Pops Buggers, or Thin Mints.
With a five-weight, fishing a floating line, a smaller streamer and a seven-foot leader in 1X or 2X can be very effective. That longer leader helps the fly sink even without a sinking line, which is perfect for riffles, small water, and lake inlets when browns are migrating in the fall.
Q: How can anglers get their flies deeper without buying a new sinking line?
Blake: I like the Rio Versa Leader. It attaches to the end of your floating line and gives you extra depth without the cost of a whole new fly line. They come in seven- to ten-foot lengths, with sink rates from intermediate (one inch per second) up to sink six (six inches per second). Pair it with a short piece of fluorocarbon—say, two to three feet of 0X or 1X—and you’re in business.
Q: What presentation tips do you recommend?
Blake: The key is to mix it up. Some days fish want a fast retrieve downstream, other days they’ll eat on a natural swing, or deep in a bucket dead drifting along and sometimes they’ll chase across-stream with quick strips. I often use all three tactics in a single day. Vary your retrieve speed, sink time, and casting angle until you figure out what the fish want.
Q: Anglers always ask—what color streamer should I fish?
Blake: Honestly, there’s no magic color. You’ll hear the rule “bright flies on bright days, dark flies on dark days.” There’s truth in that: bright flies flash in sunlight, while darker flies create a strong silhouette under cloudy skies.
But the best approach is to pick patterns you like and buy them in a few colors—black, white, olive, rust maybe yellow. If you’re not getting action after 10–15 good casts with one color, switch. I usually go to the opposite color next: from black to white, then to yellow or rust. And if fish are following but not fully committing, try downsizing your fly. When fish are hesitating, a smaller option often seals the deal on the next cast.
Q: What about anglers who are ready to invest in a dedicated streamer setup?
Blake: If you want a true streamer rod, it’s hard to beat a seven-weight. It’s the sweet spot for much of Colorado and the West. A fast-action six-weight can do double duty—streamers plus big dry-dropper rigs or bass bugs—but a seven-weight gives you the backbone to cast a variety of sinking lines, throw big articulated flies and fight large fish in the current.
Pair it with a quality reel that has a solid drag. These fish can be powerful, and whether you’re in a river or lake, you need stopping power. A 6/7 or 7/8 reel balances a seven-weight rod well.
Q: Fly line seems especially important for streamer fishing. What should people look for?
Blake: Fly line is critical. I like the multi-density sinking lines from Scientific Anglers and Rio. The tip sinks fastest, then the line gradually transitions to floating running line. That keeps your connection straighter, improves hook sets, and prevents tangles at your feet when walk wading.
For Colorado, a sink three or sink five is very versatile for fishing from a boat, or on foot. You can fish heavier flies in skinny water with a sink three, or lighter patterns with a sink five or heavier. If you are up for carrying a second rod, or spool, sink sevens and intermediates round off the options for covering varying water levels and stream structure.
Q: What leaders and tippet work best?
Blake: Leave the 4X and 5X at home. For streamers, use 0X, 1X, or 2X—sometimes I’ll just use straight 16-pound fluorocarbon and build a short leader. If a fish is going to eat a six-inch streamer, it’s probably not leader shy. Heavier tippet helps you turn over larger streamers and land fish quickly without break-offs.
For big, wind-resistant deer hair flies, try a micro swivel. It prevents line twist, makes casting easier, and keeps the fly fishing cleanly once it hits the water.
Q: Any final advice for anglers new to streamers?
Blake: Streamer fishing is about experimentation. Shorten your leader, beef up your tippet, choose the right size fly for your weight rod, and don’t be afraid to switch colors or sizes. The fun is in trying new things, expanding your fishing knowledge and seeing what triggers fish to strike.
And when you finally get to watch a big brown shoot out from under a rock to crush your streamer white mouth wide open —- it is awesome—that’s something every angler should experience.
Please Ask Us Any Questions
Whether you’re just dabbling with your five-weight or investing in a dedicated streamer setup, there’s no wrong way to start. If you’d like more advice—or want to get geared up for fall streamer season—stop by one of our fly shop locations in Littleton or Denver. Our team can walk you through rods, reels, lines, and flies to match your goals and local water.
If you don’t live in the area, give us a call at 303-794-1104 and we’ll be happy to talk through the options over the phone. And remember that we offer fast, free shipping on all orders over $10 here on the website.
