Tandem Trolling Streamers

[Gray Ghost]

I've never fished with them, but they look like they would be the ticket for lake trout. Has anyone used them? Also, has anyone ever experimented with tying a trailing nymph to their streamer? Any luck?

[sacco]

never trolled for lake trout, but i use trailers quite a bit with wet and dryflies.

[serotonin]

Had some success w/tandem-bodied (single hook) flies this winter, but again, not trolling. I can't see going wrong w/that extra action imparted by the segmented body. I also think that the shorter shank hooks are harder for the fish to spit, compared to the long shank; less leverage. Although... the Carrie Stevens patterns have a reputation for not losing fish. Having the hook near the tail of the fly, can sometimes make the difference.
You probably have the book 'Streamers...' by Col. Bates, and if you don't, you're gonna want it. It's THE classic for streamers; lotsa trolling info to go along w/ color plates of amazing flies... some of 'em tandem bodies. Fantastic book, despite the cheesy writing style.
Bates was fishing mostly for big brooks and landlocks. Tell us about your techniques for trolling lakers.

A trailing fly can't seem to hurt either. The big tandem-body could attract attention, and if they don't want it, a vulnerable nymph or wet fly are right there on the menu.

[wildbrookies]

Gray Ghost,

I can`t say I ever tried the method your talking about with a tandem streamer.But ,like Sero- pointed out I`ve done quite well with a woolly bugger/trailing nymph.Its true ,at least I think,that sometimes the larger, front fly attracks the fish and then they settle on taking the trailing smaller,buggy looking nymph.Very good question.I like when fishermen try to think like thee feesch!!!!

WB

[Creekwader]

I've never fished with them, but they look like they would be the ticket for lake trout. Has anyone used them? Also, has anyone ever experimented with tying a trailing nymph to their streamer? Any luck?

Tandems work just fine catching fish but I don't like them because 1. they take too much time to tie (if you're doing your own) 2. The steel leader between the hooks gets all bent and twisted, especially with lakers that sometimes just spin and flop when netted. It's not easy to get the bend out. Plus, if you're releasing fish the one hook that doesn't get set immediately will usually hook the fish elsewhere or the net, making a big mess.

I highly recommend Martinek's Rangely Streamer hook size 1, 8XL from Gaelic Supreme (www.gaelicsupreme.com). It's a stout hook, doesn't get bent easily and does a nice job hooking fish.

I've fooled around with the nymph thing but not alot of success. For lakers, you're better off trolling your large streamer behind a flasher.

-CW

[Gray Ghost]

I usually release the fish I catch, so I wouldn't want any unnecessary injuries. CW, I know you prefer larger streamers when trolling for lakers. You recommend a #1 or #2? Based on my ID, it's pretty apparent what pattern I prefer. I am sure I was trolling with a fly that was too small last season, though, even though I did have some luck. What about the long-shanked streamers? Does anyone like those for trolling?

[wildbrookies]

Gray Ghost,
Thats the next best thing to tandem streamers(a longer shanked hook).I`m at work ,or I`d give you the # of the streamer hooks I`ve used with success.Others probably will help you out in the meantime.I noticed you want a longer hook w/o using a tandem to resemble a live bait or forage fish...I`ll get back to you tomorrow with the size,unless ,like I said someone has the # handy sooner.



The Gray Ghost is also a favorite of mine.Included on my favorite list is:Supervisor,Sebago smelt,Wardens worry,Number Nine,anything that has the colors close to the colors of smelt(or the bait fish in that lake/pond)combinations of silver,blue,black,white,green orange and red.I`ve also had goodluck dragging around black leech patterns w/alot of flashabou in the black marabou.This pattern will also work on brookies in the ponds ,just downsize the hook alittle.Hope this helps and I`ll get back to you.

WB

[Hugh]

Mustad hook #94720 sizes 2 to 8 its an 8x long hook shank and is the longest shanked hook Mustad makes a size 4 is usually used and itll tie a streamer about 2and 1/2 inches long,Partridge Carrie Stevens streamer hook sizes 2and4 is a 10x long hook and made of a heavier guage wire is my choice if Im going to use a single hook streamer a size 4 will tie a fly about3 inches long. If Im going to fish a streamer that big I usually fish tandems as a single hook gives the fish alot of leaverage to throw the hook.in my neck of the woods either style of fly is fished about 6to18 inches behind a Lake Clear Wabbler or some sort of dodger or flasher.Pattern sugestions that Wildbrookies gave you are okay but for Lakers and Landlocks I wouldnt be without a Magog Smelt or a Gov. Aiken or any streamer with a bit of purple in it. Hugh

[wildbrookies]

Gray Ghost,
Listen to Hugh,he summed it up for you very well.Thanks Hugh.I knew we had some guys out there with that information on hand.I`m still at work.Yes, I forgot to mention the nice purple in the Governor Aiken ,it is a very good color for seeking salmon,like Hugh said.With this information,and the books mentioned you should be able to come up with a nice arsenal of streamers that will hammer some lakers and salmon as the ice goes out.Good luck and anything else ,just ask the board.

WB

[Gray Ghost]

Thanks guys. Now if the ice would just go out I would be all set. I'm hoping by mid April, but who knows.

[Hugh]

I dont wait for ice out,Ive had great fishing trolling or casting at stream inlet areas,or along the edge of the ice when its melted 20 30 feet from shore,just impaitent I guess.

[Gray Ghost]

I don't have a problem trolling along the edge of the ice. I have heard this is when some of the best fish of the year are landed.

[wildbrookies]

Ice-out trout fishing

I`ve heard from some fishermen that there are ponds/lakes that are better than others during ice-out or soon after.I think this is true because most small lakes and ponds I`ve been to right at ice-out were completely shutoff.I mean skunked city.Is this true or did the trout know I was coming that day?Also, do any of you guys want to give me a hint of which ones will produce ,I would`nt mind.Offline of course.I`ve done pretty good in late May after the ice has been out awhile.Just frustrates the heck out of me to hear ice-out is the best each and every year.I guess thats why they call it fishing.Any help will be great!!!!


WB

[Hugh]

Its a crapshoot really, probably your best bet would be to go to spring fed ponds and fish around the springs where the incoming water is a constant temperature,time of day is also important,I know a pond where you gotta be there at the crack of dawn and you can catch them one right after another till 9 in the morning then it seems somebody throws a switch and you cant buy one the rest of the day,conversly another pond I frequent I dont even bother till 5 in the afternoon,its also been my experiance that the fishing is better 2 wks after the ice is out and remains good for a few weeks until the pond turns over,that occurs when the water temperature is equal thruout the body of water,after that happens it starts to slowly go downhill as the water warms up,pond fishing is tough,think of it in deer hunting terms you gotta look for em in every nook and cranny till ya find them. Hugh

[wildbrookies]

Thanks Hugh.
Your words make alot of sense.Especially from my experiences and from what I`ve gathered from other flyfishers.I guess I will just keep on trying and look more around incoming feeder streams.Even when we get skunked ,its still a wonderfull way to spend a day in God`s country. You can`t beat the serenity and scenery.Thanks and tightlines and flies...

WB