Q:

I am going to be doing some striper fishing in Beaver Lake, AR. in April. I am an avid fly fisherman and would like to try my luck for this species. Do you have any tips and also fly patterns I should try.

-Jim

A:

Hi Jim,

That ought to be a fun trip ... Weather permitting, the stripers should be working; however, the issue is likely to be just exactly at what depth in the water column the fish are working. Simply said they may not be near the surface.

I suggest you carry a couple of extra lines with you such as an intermediate and a sink tip with a floating belly. Two good ones would be SciAnglers Multi-Tip and/or Airflo's shooter (SEE my article on the Shooters, especially Part 3).

As for patterns, you simply cannot go wrong with Deceivers and Clouser Minnows. Orvis is/was offering a special deal for 19.95 consisting of eight Clousers, a fly box (of foam), a catalog and a 10.00 gift certificate. Call 1 (800) 333-1550 ext 131. This has to be the best deal going anywhere.

If strikes are few and far between, try using the old trout trick of adding a smaller dropper behind the Deceiver. Something like a Zug Bug or almost any dark nymph should do. Finally, I recommend colors of resembling minnows or bait fish, although you may have to go with attractor colors. Have a great trip and let me know how you make out.

Doug