Low Water Streamer Fishing


Late in the summer many smallmouth rivers become low and the bass become wary. Wading and fishing streamers upstream very carefully will enable you to catch many large bass which could easily be scared with a downstream or an across stream approach. Fishing streamers upstream which match the natural foods upon which the bass feed will help you. Here are some techniques which will help. On your presentation casts take up all of the slack line with your line hand so you can set the hook quickly because frequently a bass will take your streamer the instant it lands on the stream. Swim your streamer back downstream by stripping it with your line hand so it is moving slightly faster than the currrent is pushing it. This enables you to feel the strike the instant the bass take your streamer. When you feel the strike set the hook quickly with both your line hand as well as the fly rod. Streamers that are tied with materials which are very effective when fished upstream include the Murray’s Strymphs and Murray’s Marauders.