How to Streamer Fish for Trout || Fly Fishing for Beginners!

[@ebenbrowne5365]

Just one of the most perfect brown trout I've ever seen dude. Been streamer fishing pretty hard for a year now, the biggest lesson I have learned (over and over again) is to think about the orientation of the streamer to the fish. Presenting the streamer's side profile to the fish (fish typical face upstream) will help fish one, see the darn thing, two, have a better chance of a good hookset. Ideally you are setting the hook into the side of its jaw, or pulling the streamer into the fish's mouth. What NOT to do (if possible) is cast down stream and strip back to you because when they hit it, you're basically ripping the streamer OUT of their mouth when you set the hook. Sometimes this isn't possible to avoid, and sometimes it doesn't matter if they hit it from the right angle. BUT coming from someone who lost many fish from forgetting this, it's a good thing to be thinking about if possible. Tight lines everyone.

[@andrewhardman3720]

I would also add in, which I know you brought up a few times but never really emphasized, is that I wouldn’t shy away from murky water while fishing for brown trout with streamers in particular. They love to venture out in murky water due to their predatory nature and it is one of the best times to fish for them! And if you’re fishing in clearer water, really put your emphasis in casting as close to cover as possible, whether that be a rock or a log in the water, because the browns probably won’t be as adventurous in their movement at that time. Great Video!

[@hardmanfishing]

Andrew Hardman with some great advice ladies and gentleman!

[@zacherytp]

This is a great primer if you're trying to start with streamers. One thing about color -- black, and dark colors generally, are good in murky water because the black is a negative color, so it's more visible in dirty conditions. It can't reflect the murkiness of the water, so it's easier for the fish to track. Love the stuff about floating line, especially for smaller or shallower water. Line with any sort of sink is nothing but annoying in most normal trout streams. Great great video here.

[@jeremywanless2450]

That brown at a little over 17 minutes is about as perfect an example as a person can expect to see. What a gorgeous trout.

[@hardmanfishing]

Couldn’t agree more! Probably my favorite fish of the year so far

[@MaddenOutdoor]

Man I'd love to catch any of these fish 😂

[@andreascott5815]

Such a great educational video. This is the best video on the topic of streamer fishing. Of all the educational, informative and to the point without added fluff, that I have watched! In addition, the visual instruction, perfectly demonstrated casts, that prove you have spent a lot of time on the water learning and owning it! Amazing! Thank you so much.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much for the kind words! This video took WAY too long to put together. Glad everyone is enjoying it

[@briljantje9583]

Hi John, little to add: I do the same. About the colors: I usually use black, brown and olive, but sometimes I shift to orange (also in dark water). Sometimes with amazing results.

[@gazza1235]

I've dabbled in fishing (spinner) for a good while, it really gave me a good entry into fishing but, I've ALWAYS felt like fly fishing was something I'd be interested in but, I've never really fished alot until recently so am a complete novice and fly fishing has always been the "advanced" version of fishing so I've never ever touched it out of a complete lack of confidence. I've watched a few videos of yours so far and it's only pushing my interest in fly fishing more and more and it's given me so much self belief that I can actually do it. I don't for one second believe that I will be a pro at it and I will have a long journey but, thanks solely to your videos, I recently bought a starting fly fishing rod and can't wait to get started. Subscription well earned and thank you.

[@hardmanfishing]

That’s awesome! Glad you’re enjoying the videos. Fly fishing can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make it. Just enjoy your time on the water and the fish will come! Thanks for watching

[@jeffstrametz6576]

Awesome Video. Thanks for sharing your tips. The basics are what you need to remember and what you demonstrated!

[@melchurch3019]

Best tutorial I've watched with solid hints every minute. Heavy short leader was an obvious one that I overlooked for years and had troubles with casting because of that. Thanks, will be following your channel.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. The short leader thing is something I learned the hard way as well.

[@patrickeaton8575]

Your videos like this are awesome! I can understand why some channels may shy away from content like this due to the millions of expert commentators who love to debate their minnow sizes, but experience beats rules every time. It’s great to be able to try something that works for others and even better when learning something that may be new or forgotten over time. Thanks for taking the time!!

[@hardmanfishing]

Oh for sure. I ignore most of the comments because people live all over the country and it may be different for them 😂 I’ll tell you what works for me and if it works for you too then great, if not that’s fine too. I’m just sharing some knowledge!

[@bmares41]

Thanks so must for making this video! You information was very basic, but very relevant. One of the best teaching videos I’ve watched. Keep up the great content and more videos like this would be very helpful.

[@theredfishchronicles7929]

I keep a sink tip leader in my bag just in case but I agree, WFF lines for meat in most cases. The Dungeon is a great fly! I have even caught redfish on them in salt! Darker colors in cloudy water make a better profile for the fish to see, thats my thoughts so I can increase catching. Using a loop knot also gives streamers a little more action. great vid man. Great tips!

[@blueridgeflyguy9551]

Love all your stuff and really glad I watched this one. Probably the best streamer fly fishing video I can think of. Covered all the stuff in an easy to digest and with your always approachable style.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it

[@charlesperrine558]

Love the video! I live in Southern WV and mostly catch stocked rainbows. Can you give me a couple good brown trout streams to try?

[@SaskFisher]

For streamers I love to use float line and for the leader, I don't use the regular tapered leaders. Just use 100% fluorocarbon 10lb or 6lb. Since it sinks its good to go. Along the same lines as you. Well done!

[@DreadyEDDY710]

Being a spin guy first gave me a head start on jigging w the rod tip or jerk stripping. Also give credit to some of the guys who might have influenced you, such as CJ or Kelly Galloup. Love the videos, you're the man. Once I listened to some of the stuff those guys said I related it to a lot of what I've seen in your videos

[@hardmanfishing]

I was as well, which is how I originally learned to use the rod instead of the line. I think being a spin fisherman first gives you a huge advantage when streamer fishing. Also I don't have a ton of influence from streamer fishing, I kind of taught myself. I never once read a book on it, and only watched any videos after I was having success with it pretty consistently. Kelly Galloup is incredible, but I'll be honest I didn't learn a ton from him just because I didn't know who he was for the longest time. He also fishes out west so I just couldn't relate to a lot of what he says from a fishing standpoint. If you're talking about CJ Lord then he did influence me a bit, but more so because he fished the same water. Watching him fish sort of confirmed / solidified some of my beliefs. Another fellow by the name of TJ Kessler (who's a guide on the White River now) influenced me quite a bit. He was awesome because I had many long convos with him on streamer fishing and why certain things worked and others didn't. He also fished the same way CJ (and a lot of the successful streamer fisherman in that area) did and was just more accessible to me at the time. Anyways thanks for watching and leaving a comment!!

[@DreadyEDDY710]

@hardmanfishing I agree completely, Kelly's a stickler on the sinking line & in the driftless no way that's an option so I've been applying a lot of the same tactics as you, and have found some larger fish that I do attribute to what I've learned from your videos

[@robertzylstra6676]

Awesome videos definitely as always! Great tips! I learned how to streamer from fish by emulating what you were doing in your videos! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@hardmanfishing]

That’s awesome! Thanks for watching the videos

[@CarolinaAnglingCo]

As a new streamer fisherman, i really appreciated this video. Thanks man.

[@hardmanfishing]

Heck yeah! Glad you enjoyed it

[@MrDaveB123]

Thanks for the information . As a beginner fly fisherman I have been watching a lot of videos on KZbin. there's certain high level individuals that preach the sinking line but I feel that the floating line with a bit of weighted streamer will do me better as a beginner and keep me out of more trouble till I get proficient .

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Question. How long do you fish a pool, and how many times will you change color, depth, action and pattern before you move on?

[@gregktm]

I would add to tie your streamer on with a perfection loop so it has more action than a clinch knot would allow. Good video. Thanks dude!

[@hardmanfishing]

Great advice!! Forgot to mention that

[@MPete1896]

Great tip but I think you may mean a Duncan Loop. Can't properly tie a perfection loop to the eye of a hook.

[@tonywalkingstick8883]

Simply awesome video. Love brookies. Most beautiful fish in the world and always tight lines.

[@Hugh_Jassle]

I lake fish from the bank with dungeons and other large streamers quite a bit. Roll casting my 9wt spey can get some serious distance out there and the full sink line really helps get that fly down to where the fish are chilling. It works great for trout but the largemouth really love big streamers.

[@clydeshope6942]

Another awesome video well done some really nice fish love watching your videos I'm just starting to fly fish and you are really hopping me out I watch you learn a lot from you do an awesome job explaining things

[@ferenchorvath8297]

I'm still new to streamer fishing and your tips were helpful. Thanks!

[@jkagron21]

How are you casting it so good what line and rod weight are you using?

[@c.cabanilla8963]

I've been using tenkara rods keiryu rods for a while. I've purchased my first fly rod and the transfer is going along. The casting is amazing and I'm learning a lot. Can't wait to start catching fish on streamers

[@BenjaminSaksdesign]

One thing you did not mention was what weight rod and fly line you typically use for these mid sized (2-4") articulated streamers. Are you throwing a 7 wt?

[@Brunnen_Gee]

I went fly fishing for the first time the other day on a guided trip. The guide was all about streamer fishing as well. We ended up not catching much during the guided trip itself, but later that day out in my kayak on my own, I managed to catch a couple more using the same technique. I'm a fan.

[@hardmanfishing]

Heck yeah that’s awesome! Streamer fishing definitely isn’t a numbers game but when it works it’s awesome

[@lucassampson-y1t]

I have fly fished for around four years and i have been on some amazing trips and I live in Detrotie Michigan and i have a small creek across the street and I go fishing there as much as I can and a few months ago i caught a 20 plus brown, which i normally just have caught small browns and rainbows.

[@TylerRicottilli]

I fish that stream a lot and the fish that he caught at 17 is almost always one that size, you have to get them from the side he caught it from so you can pull it towards the ledge and not towards the bank. If you do go there please don’t keep the wild browns, the stock fish keep but those’d browns are beautiful, so let’s keep them there

[@hardmanfishing]

100%! Keep all of the stockers but leave the wild browns and any natives alone!!

[@garethshaggy]

Things I wish I did from day 1 1) Varying the retrieve (short fast, Long slowe, very slow etc) 2) Floating Line with matched leader. 3) Know the depth of the fish. 4) Bigger flies is NOT always better. 5) Fish swim FAST!!! 6) Keep Rod Tip Down and if possible Straight line to Fly 7) Dark day, Dark Fly Light Day, Bright Fly 8) Always hang at the end 9) Fish can be 1ft away, start and end close. That's just some lol there's many

[@MacDaddyDoubleD]

So stoked you’re making these videos now! Thanks a ton

[@hardmanfishing]

Hopefully I'll have a few more coming out this year!

[@jayala6560]

So proud of you Jon and your accomplishments. Love watching your videos❤

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!!

[@landonedwards7504]

Great tips, as always. Been fishing smaller rivers and streams here in VA and never really considered using anything but nymphs & flies. But I can see where streamers might be useful on some waters when conditions are right. The info is valuable for those of us who have never used streamers, so thanks!

[@hardmanfishing]

Awesome! Va has some incredible water, I wish you the best of luck

[@MrGrentch]

Fantastic tutorial. I'm going to try it this summer. 👍🙂 And those trout... *chef's kiss

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!! Give it a shot and let me know how it goes

[@PaulN-x2q]

I fish dry flies with tons of action. Anything to provoke. Dry flies don't have to be dead-drift, think of a moth trapped in the surface-film, it sends a distress signal. Try keeping the fly stationary, but induce little waves thru the leader with your rod tip - especially if you are dealing with brown brook in the fall or bows cutts in the spring when they seem not interested in feeding. They can't stand bugs being bugs making waves in their territory. However, you will usually need a 'blind' or a submerged rock that is between you and the fish that you are targeting. I once heard someone call it poke-pole fishing - perhaps a bit tenkara.

[@bengibson2383]

Such an awesome video, I learned a few small things that will probably go a long way, thanks for the best fly fishing channel on KZbin!!!! You and your brother kill it!!

[@hardmanfishing]

That’s awesome! Glad you got a few things from the video. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoy the videos!

[@tonywalkingstick8883]

Awesome video period. Loved the last brown, and always tight lines.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thanks Tony!

[@leviswartzendruber9217]

Hey John, AWESOME VIDEO!! Answered all my questions except one. What's your go to rod weight?

[@Beardedfurflinger]

Awesome video,great info my go to lines are floating or a Tenny 5' Mini Tip,the short sinking head is awesome on smaller water,single hand trout/mirco spey has opened up a whole new world,1 line or head & multiple tips your days covered & flies from mirco Intruders,Flash & Grab,Kreelex Minnows & other patterns including the 1's you mentioned opens a whole new level of streamer junkie,tight lines 🤙

[@hardmanfishing]

I like that idea! May have to try that just to see how it feels.

[@fredflintstone8347]

Awesome video, love to see you continue this series.

[@hardmanfishing]

I will for sure! Or at least try too.

[@pietka68]

Fantastic video. Very informative. Thank you for sharing.

[@charlesnicholson2591]

An awesome video!! Thanks!! Fish on🎣!!

[@Error-wn5gy]

If the forage in my creeks are predominantly crawfish, how should I go about working the streamer? I see some success dead drifting and some with short tugs to imitate the backwards jetting motion, but I'm wondering if I also need to incorporate some movement of the rod itself like you mentioned.

[@ConchFritterTime]

Loved this. Quality tips and quality presentation while catching big fish - ideal. One equation I’d love to ask you tho - what knots do you typically tie to the streamer? Looking forward to more content. Well done.

[@brianswing9438]

Great intro to streamers! I've been a dry fly guy in the Sierras for most of my life, but this looks like fun too!

[@hardmanfishing]

I wish I was dry fly fishing in the sierra’s right now!! Thanks for watching, and definitely give streamer fishing a try in some of your bigger rivers!

[@brianswing9499]

Yep, just got back from a trip up there and caught some nice Browns and Brookies. Life's good when you're fishing!

[@tlalexander3]

Great video! I am a new guide but I have been fly fishing for 3 years. I also have a MS in Biology and specialized in fisheries so that has greatly accelerated my learning. I mostly euro nymph, but I am trying to learn streamer fishing for clients and for my own growth. I recently got on with Echo being a guide and I see you have the Streamer X rod. I am looking to buy either the Ion XL or or the Boost Blue in probably a 9ft 6 wt. I will primarily be trout fishing, but I am also from the Eastern part of the state, so we are doing a good bit of smallmouth fishing as well since the water is getting to warm in some areas to ethically catch trout.

[@john82mp]

Try the relatively new Echo 84b. I prefer it to the Streamer X which I have owned and used extensively.

[@mikemckenna8530]

Amazing video...thanks! Now to find good water!

[@lymanmayhew935]

Once a trout gets over a certain size, they then concentrate on bigger food to eat! Such as bait fish instead of nyhmps, etc. Now, this doesn't mean they won't eat those,but they prefer bigger bait. This is why streamers work better on bigger fish!😊

[@markyoder9304]

Awesome! thanks for the info, I'm having a really heard time casting weighted streamers far enough I'm using a 5 weight rod

[@hardmanfishing]

Could be the line, I used a 5 wt for years. Although there is a limit to the streamer size you can throw comfortable on a 5 wt

[@zumalot]

Some of the nicer or "coolest" looking browns I've seen.

[@hardmanfishing]

It was an awesome day of fishing even without the tutorial! Thanks for watching

[@WildBlueDiscovery]

Great video. I definitely learned some things. I am not a streamer expert, but would like to get better and and post more streamer content on my channel. Fantastic job! Tightlines!

[@ZaydenHetherington]

I love trout fishing. Let alone fly fishing. I caught my first Golden Rainbow Trout yesterday, and I’m so happy about it.

[@hardmanfishing]

That’s awesome! Congrats!

[@ZaydenHetherington]

@@hardmanfishing Thank you so much man. I love your videos so much.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Something I wish I knew. Not all brown trout will chase a streamer at all times. Some days, and at some times of the day, they'll just ignore it. I almost always throw sink tip lines because I've found that A. All floating lines just start to sink after a few hours anyway and B. most of the flies that work best are not weighted. Most of the fish I've caught on streamers have been when the fly was deep and crossed right in front of the fish's face. That said, I hate the zoo cougar my best fish have been on stuff I tied that look and behave most like a dungeon or cheech leech.

[@mattkoch3117]

Great video man!

[@toddrussell4923]

A tip to find a Measuring tape for fhising Is go to the Ladys Clothing store wear they sale Fabric. They will have soft ones that are plastic and roll up easily to put in your fly vests.

[@merchantmariner6132]

Great job and great video. Thank you.

[@sgdukerable]

Great video and good info. Could you tell us what state you are fishing in and what quadrant of that state this stream is located in?

[@tenkarapondfishing4611]

Great video. Do you ever dead drift a streamer, as Tom Rosenbauer recommends? What about swinging?

[@hardmanfishing]

I do occasionally, but even my dead drifts usually involve twitches as well. It’s not my favorite

[@Razertitina]

Great video, Maybe knowing which knots are most suitable for streamers would be very nice, good channel, I watch it all the time

[@hardmanfishing]

I agree! Knots can be important. Thanks for watching the videos!

[@jeremydixon2812]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@shorttripfromcradletocript]

Long time streamer fisherman here. The one thought that changed my hook ups was, "hunt the fly."

[@austinmack5791]

Tips on setting the hook on streamers? I seem to lose a lot of fish in streamers during the bit and don’t really understand it. I get a strip set but not that dramatic of one admittedly I usually pull the rod a bit to the side as well to try to make tension and just don’t always connect even on strong takes. I noticed you kind of set how I do unless I’m missing something. It’s kind of frustrating as a newbie as I’ve lost twice what would have been my pb

[@SteveCrosd]

Fantastic video as always.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@coreygreen6640]

All great things…I’ve never streamer fished but wanna try it. How do you know when you should try a streamer vs dry flies or nymphs? What dictates trying streamers?

[@greggd6833]

I'd add that in my experience I miss a lot of large trout eats while working the fly with my rod tip bc I streamer fish big flies on a 5wt and rod setting while jogging is better with a heavier rod. I am confident, I'd catch more if I fished a 7wt, but The streams I fish average 12-14" fish on better days with a few 16-20's but not many at all. I do not move the big ones often and have landed a decent number on a 5 wt. I am afraid of going to a 7 wt would make the 12-14" fish boring hahah.

[@henryleslievermont6004]

Enjoyed 👍 Great way to catch Smallmouth bass too🎣🎣 🐭🪰

[@hardmanfishing]

I need to catch some smallies this year!

[@pretor_fishing]

Too get the most action out of your streamer, use the rod not the stripping technique. If you shake the rod like hardman you’ll get more bites than just stripping it in :)

[@skitteryoh9949]

Great video. Great info. Appreciate the Hard work.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it

[@duke2043]

I use WF line but like using the twiston Lead Weight some of you may know this it's been around along time most use split shot.The Twiston weight is to put on or take off easy depending on what you need !use 7.5ft Leader myself!

[@seandugan5664]

Really helpful video. What weight rod are you fishing to throw streamers like dungeons?

[@noahbaru]

Super informative video. What weight rod do you like most?

[@BrianJones-xd9ol]

Great video! Thx. One question? Cast upstream or down?

[@hardmanfishing]

Upstream at a 45 degree angle if possible, but try everything

[@BeyerOutdoors]

I enjoy fishing & tying streamers, but most of my successful catches are on everything else. I still enjoy it & know I'm going to catch the big one on a streamer.

[@Dieiamgi]

Do you ever let the fish tire itself out or always pull it in right away?

[@hardmanfishing]

I pull it in as fast as possible. It’s better for the fish to not let it expend all of its energy if you plan on releasing it

[@dawson23248]

Are you using the Lamson reel? If so how do you like it?

[@DimaGolenkoff]

Я давно чекав на це відео! Дякую!

[@321Phinney]

Would you recommend a 4-6’ leader on PNW super clear streams with rainbow and bulls? (Browns don’t exist out here)

[@DawsonandOliver]

What brand of fly reel and rod are you using? My streamer fishing combo is a renegade grey series fly rod with a 6 weight Lamson Liquid fly reel.

[@RickFoley-q1p]

New to your channel, Thanks. Keep em coming man,, Rick from Bow river alberta.

[@appleseeD552]

PROPS on this vid John.🙂👍 Great stuff. Love the info here.🙂👍 Still waiting on your catch and cook you mentioned awhile back. Regardless, keep these vidz comin bro. Peace ✌😎

[@hardmanfishing]

Now is the best time to do a catch and cook.. Maybe I'll try to do one this week

[@SouthMend]

Hey dude how have you been liking the dryft waders in terms of durability? I noticed you’ve been wearing them in a lot of your videos, they must be holding up well.

[@charlesjohanesen1651]

great advice and video thank you! what weight rod and line are you using here?

[@hardmanfishing]

8 wt in this video. I probably should’ve gone over rod length / weight but here we are 😂

[@charlesjohanesen1651]

@@hardmanfishing thanks

[@robevans3291]

Are you using a floating line with a sinking poly leader and a 2x leader (3-6ft)?

[@John-ht4xv]

What state are you fishing in? Looks like awesome water

[@Grayson-vv9hn]

Thanks for all the info, you’ve been inspiring me to start streamer fishing for years and I’m finally going to pull the trigger and buy a streamer setup. I’ve been looking at the Echo Streamer X rod for a while now and have noticed you’ve been using one recently as well. What weight rod are you using and what floating line do you have paired with it? Thanks for all the amazing work keep it up man 👊

[@hardmanfishing]

This is an 8 wt but I’d recomend a 6 or 7 for most situations! And I use cortland’s floating streamer line.

[@mipe1205]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@bigskyoutdoors4232]

The best way to get good at streamer fishing is by doing it I live in one of the best places for dry fly fishing in the country so I usually never throw streamers but when everyone else is throwing dries take out them streamers and you will be surprised

[@tf3876]

Do you ever have to add weight to your leader?

[@garrettweston767]

Holy crap! What part of the country are you fishing?

[@silas6236]

I'm super curious do you tie your own flies?

[@koiclips8042]

what fly 5wt fly rods do you reccomend under $220? im looking for one that is good for all around trout fishing.

[@Lvdvryry]

Is 4x leader 4-7 ft good to use when streamer fishing?

[@AthanasiusCM919]

Awesome vid! Thanks.

[@tomfliger6552]

Hand raising noob here! What's the best starter entry for rod and specifications. Keeping "entry level" pricing is important factor. Suggestions appreciated.

[@tonycamplin8607]

Another great video with a lot of good advice. What you call a streamer in the USA is called a lure here in the UK and of course we don't use any of those fly names either. Here lure fishing with with a wire trace on a fly rod is a popular method of catching pike. A lot of our trout fishing is done in large deep reservoirs, so a sinking line is essential. I'll never get used to classifying fish by length and not weigh. Also we're not bothered about foul hooking, if you land the fish it counts. Looking forward to the next one.

[@davidleimeister5027]

Thanks teach! Does the same techniques apply to river smallmouth?

[@tlalexander3]

Exactly the same. Mostly look for them behind big rocks that create diversions or in channels

[@isaiahmowery300]

Nice vid… is this in West Virginia?

[@MaddenOutdoor]

Needed this Video!!!

[@ChickenAdobo-ky3vb]

Are you using 5 wt rod?