By Capt. Wayne Moore
Across the region, hybrid and striped bass are some of the most exciting gamefish in our reservoirs. Targeting them with flies can be difficult, but it has to be the most exciting way to catch them.
Any article written about this subject better mention the name Henry Cowen. Having chased stripers on north Georgiaâs Lake Lanier for more than 20 years, Cowen is a pioneer of the specialized techniques and tackle it takes. I fish middle-Georgiaâs Lake Oconee, and much of what I do was learned from Cowen. There are differences between the two reservoirs, but I believe similar techniques, patterns and equipment can be adapted to catch stripers and hybrids on any lake.
Equipment
I like a 9-foot, 8-weight rod. Scottâs Meridian is my choice, but that model is being replaced by their similar Flex fast-action freshwater, which will probably do the job just as well. Stripers and hybrids pull hard, so youâll need a decent reel. I use a Lamson Speedstar. Itâs not too high end, but it does have a sealed conical drag.
For line, I use RIO Intouch Outbound short intermediate most of the time. This allows me to fish both on the surface and below it without having to change spools.
Opportunities and Tactics
Topwater: Fly fishing for stripers and hybrids when they are feeding on top is exhilarating. Imagine a school of fish knocking threadfin shad into the air. In some cases theyâll rise every 10 square feet for 30 or 40 feet around your boat.
Itâs amazing, but it requires specialized conditions. On Oconee, this occurs when water is pumping up from Wallace dam. When water temperatures are warm, it is a brief, first-light bite, but as the water cools it lasts longer.
I cast a Cowenâs Somethinâ Else, a wiggle minnow, or a Pop-N-Fly rig. The Somethinâ Else is my go-to fly. If they are schooling, I approach with as much stealth as possible and make a long cast just beyond and in front of the rising fish. The retrieve is critical. Cowen calls it âfeeding the fish.â It is five short strips followed by a pause. If you get bit, get the fish on reel quickly. Youâd be surprised how fast charging hybrids can snap a leader.
The wiggle minnow is fished differently, same basic cast, but you need to keep the fly moving. Often itâs good to put the rod under your arm and strip with both hands. Gary Dubielâs Pop-N-Fly is a popping cork for a fly rod. Tie in a feathered, white floating fly behind it, and it is deadly.
Chasing Gulls: This usually fires up on Oconee in November and is very good in December. Itâs a tactic employed by striper and hybrid fishermen all over the Southeast. While this is a topwater bite, and you will see the gulls dive bombing shad, use the Somethinâ Else exclusively during this time and you will have greater success.
Night Fishing: If you like to get up very early or donât mind fishing at night, darkness may offer the best probability of connecting with a striper or hybrid. Dock lights are key.
Approach very quietly and work the outer edges of the light. Again, use intermediate line and Somethinâ Else.
Be ready to haul a big fish away from the dock pilings in a hurry. If you get a big striper on, it might require assistance from the trolling motor.
Fishing Humps: When the fish are not on top, itâs time to locate humps with your electronics and fish deep. On Oconee, this usually means humps that rise from 30 feet or deeper up to 15 feet. Youâll need sink-tip line for this tactic and a short piece of 12-lb. fluorocarbon leader.
Cast past the hump and count down the fly as it drops to the fish. The count will vary depending on the fly and line youâre using.
Capt. Wayne Moore owns Oconee On The Fly. Check them out at www.oconeeonthefly.com.