Cold days and cold water. That's winter fishing on the Delta. Despite the less than favorable conditions the Delta fishes all winter long. The Winter season does not mean the fish have left the system. They are still here, they just eat less and that feeding window is shortened. Contrary to what many believe, when the storms come in and most of the Delta is supposedly "blown-out", there is almost always some clear water to fish. Often what many think is dirty water and unfishable is in fact very fishable. We look down into the depths whereas a fish is looking up into a backlit window and we must realize Stripers have a very sensitive lateral line. Flies with dramatic contrast that push water will show up in their world. What they cannot see, they can feel.
Presentation tactics also need to change with the conditions. Slightly slower retrieves with very long drops on the fly are part of the techniques required to be successful. My preference is to still strip the same length as earlier in the year but the drops and pauses, where the fly is dropping vertical or suspending, is where the difference comes in. These drops or pauses can sometimes be lengthy enough for a quick bite of a sandwich and a sip of something warm! I'm talking longggg. The initial couple of strips gets the attention of the fish. The fish might slowly move towards the fly but isn't really interested in chasing. As the fly is dropping or hovering, the fish is watching it. After a 5-10 second pause the angler will start another strip and as soon as that line moves a fraction of an inch, is when the fish usually jumps on the fly. This has proven itself to me over many years in these cold water conditions.
For cold water Winter fishing, an LC13 shooting head has some advantages at this time of year. A mono type running line is also my choice. Why?.. because i feel very connected to the fly during the drop. Lc13 provides an almost wire like connection to the fly once the first strip or two has been made. The direct angle and rigidity of the lc line telegraphs better than anything i have used, the lightest of "ticks" that often come with a big fish. The small profile of a mono type running line allows for the head and running line to drop at a very straight angle. The name of the game is to feel totally connected to the fly at any distance from the rod tip and i feel this line configuration does this better than anything else.
Ron Hayashi with a nice 19lb'r
Another advantage to using a line like Lc13 and a mono running line is that it doesn't "loft" in currents nearly as much as the popular integrated tungsten head lines. This resistance to "lofting" allows for a more direct contact with the fly on the strip or on the drop. Remember, the name of the game is to stay connected to the fly so you will feel those very light ticks or subtle bumps. If you get a tick or bump don't be too quick to set up on the fish and possibly pull the fly away from the fish. Instead, let the fly drop once again for a few seconds and then strip. Often the fish hits again and it is likely you will get a solid hookup. Once you get hooked up i suggest setting the hook hard one or two more times so as to drive that point in. One of two things is likely to happen. The hook is either going to pull out anyway or it will gain better purchase. I don't like it when they pull out on a trophy fish half way to the boat! Set on them hard!
This primer will hopefully help with one's cold water catching. Just realize winter fishing is not about big numbers. That can happen on any day, but usually you are working hard for your fish. If you don't mind a little hard work and have outfitted yourself for the elements, you just might be rewarded with a trophy fish! Fear not the winter!
I hope to see you out there!
Capt.Kev
