With fall fly fishing just around the corner, it will soon be time to start fly fishing with streamers. Be sure you are armed and ready and your streamer game is top notch. Choosing the best streamer fly depends on several factors, including the type of water you're fishing, the target species, and the current conditions. Here are some tips to help you select the right streamer:

Action and Movement. Choose a streamer that matches your preferred retrieve style. Some streamers, like those with marabou or rabbit strips, have a lot of natural movement in the water and work well with slow retrieves. Others, like articulated streamers, have a more erratic action and are ideal for aggressive, fast retrieves. Streamers with a larger, bulkier profile displace more water and create more vibration, making them easier for fish to detect. These are particularly effective in low visibility or for targeting aggressive predators.

Adapt to Conditions. On overcast days or in low light, darker streamers often produce better results as they create a strong silhouette. On bright days, lighter or flashier streamers may be more effective. Fish behavior changes with water temperature. In colder water, fish may be less active, so using a slower, more deliberate retrieve with a smaller streamer can be effective. In warmer water, fish are more aggressive, and larger, faster-moving streamers might be better.

Match the Forage. Choose streamers that mimic the local baitfish or other prey species that your target fish are feeding on. This could be minnows, sculpins, crayfish, or even leeches. Match the size of your streamer to the size of the natural forage. Smaller streamers are effective in clear water or when fish are feeding on smaller prey. Larger streamers work well in murky water or when targeting larger fish.

Consider Water Clarity. In clear water, choose streamers with natural colors like olive, brown, and black. Subtle patterns and realistic imitations work best in these conditions. In off-color water, opt for brighter or more visible colors like white, chartreuse, or yellow. Patterns with a lot of flash can also be effective in low visibility.

Water Depth and Flow. Use lighter, unweighted streamers or those with minimal weight to avoid snagging on the bottom. Floating or intermediate lines work well with these streamers. Opt for weighted streamers, such as those with lead eyes or coneheads, to help the fly sink quickly. Sink-tip or full sinking lines can also be used to get the fly down to the desired depth.

Confidence and Experience. Every angler has a few favorite streamer patterns that have proven successful over time. Rely on your past experiences and confidence patterns, but don't be afraid to experiment with new streamers as conditions change. Carry a variety of streamers in different sizes, colors, and weights to adapt to changing conditions. Sometimes switching to a different pattern can make a big difference.

By considering these factors, you'll be better equipped to choose a streamer fly that matches the conditions and increases your chances of success on the water.

Use onWater to Discover More Places to Fly Fish

Be sure to read onWater fishing blog posts to plan better and fish smarter and help you find places to fish near you.

Thousands of Place to Fish with Offline Maps

Six Tips for Backing a Boat Trailer

7 Top Tips for Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass

Four Keys to Catch Bigger Fish Now

‍