Stripers

[Bevans]

Thanks for the new forum.

I was wondering if anyone could give some information about flyfishing for stripers, again in the Delaware around Lambertville. I got a new rod for fishing salmon in Michigan last year, and was hoping to find some uses for it around here. I don't have a boat, and have never fished for stripers before. Can you wade to productive spots in the Delaware without drowning? Any how to advice would be welcome. Thanks.

 

[DJ]

I have a nice 8 weight I used only twice for them 'hawgs' in the backwaters and swamps of NC&VA. I want to see the response to this post!!! Like you, I have been wondering about wading stripers. This would seem like a logical and exciting opportunity to use my rod! If I see some good stuff here...... I'm going back to VA and getting my rod back from my father! I have not seen any bass up here a nice 6wt can't handle.

 

[tommye]

Hey Bevans,

You might want to post that question @ njstriper.com. I'm gonna test my 'striper skills late summer'.

I've seen post that they been banging them out w/bait ... Sorry, I know I'm not supposed to use that four letter word .

 

[Dave B.]

If the herring are running (which they are) large clousers, decievers, etc should produce. Some good areas for wading are Lambertville from the wing dam downstream, Scudders Falls from the top of the island down, and if you can find a place to park near the Trenton water treatment plant, go just below the Calhoun St bridge, wade out to the head of the island and fish the main channel side all the way to the foot of the island as well as the area below the low head dam between the Jersey shore and the island.

A word of caution, PLEASE be careful in all of these areas. Moving water is powerful, the bottom is very slick and the Delaware likes to swallow unwary anglers. Check water levels before attempting to wade any of these or other locations.

Good Luck!

 

[DJ]

I found this post regarding fly fishing for stripers on the Roanoke RIver which runs along the VA/NC border. I don't think the techniques can be too different.

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/3853/stripers.html

 

[Bevans]

Thanks for all that info. If I can get away, I think I'll give it a try next week. Anyone know about time of day? Are stripers early eaters, like other bass?

 

[Dave B.]

While stripers will feed all day to some extent, low light conditions are better. Whether it's dawn, dusk, overcast or discolored water, stripers tend to aviod bright light.
Something to try sometime you're feeling adventurous, night fishing with poppers by moonlight a day or two before the full moon. It can be a little challenging at times and frustrating at others, but the rewards can far outweigh those minor details.