November Stripers

[John H]

I decided last week it was time to shake up my delta fishing strategy. I got out my striper rod, put on a chartreuse Clouser , found a new put in, went in the afternoon instead of the morning and pedaled the kayak in search of a spot that might have some stripers. I found a cut that had some current and decent depth so I drifted with the current and stripped the Clouser. Some stripers were around and grabbing. Nothing big but I am feeling like a 20" striper is a pretty fun fly rod fish. If you are boat fishing you can buzz around and hit a bunch of spots but in the kayak if you find a spot that is probably the spot for the day so you better fish it hard and hope nobody else shows up to jump your claim.

[MThompson]

A 20 inch fish has become the new "fun size" or "all purpose fish and they are still a great fly rod fish. When I first started fly-fishing for stripers 20 years ago I would hear anglers talk about finding pods of 4 to 7lb fish in the past. The schoolies I always found were more like 3-5lbs with some bigger ones mixed in usually. I really miss those days now and I'm really hoping some bigger fish move in in November.
I was out 3 days in a row last week and had enough action to have some hope for this year. Two years ago was actually pretty good but last year I lost my patience early and went bass fishing in the reservoirs. I've decided to have a better attitude this year and put some real effort into finding better fish.
I'm also making a conscious effort not to run all over hell once I've located fish. Sometimes they just need a little time to start eating again. Several times last week I had to laugh at myself when I would put the trolling motor on 10 to rush over to feeding fish and then turn around and see them blowing up right where I was. I think the approach you take in your kayak will pay off more often than not. I truly believe that kayaks don't put fish down like a boat and if you're around them and boats don't show up you can whack em.
Nice pictures as usual John. Hope to see lots more.

[John H]

My experience is similar to yours. I never had a boat so I fished with guides 10 to 15 years ago and there was always talk of big fish. The expectation for a day was hope for a 10 pounder but some 3-5 pounders for sure and smaller ones were a nuisance. Seems like the new norm is smaller fish so I guess you make the most of it or stay home. I am trying to making the most of it and get on board with the 20 incher or the keeper as a lot of people like to call them.

The bass sure seem to have disappeared with the colder water. I got a bunch of small ones but nothing over 12 inches and I spent a little time on it. I do feel like I can sneak upon the bass in the kayak. Low profile and no noise.

[OceanSunfish]

It goes without saying, but I'll say it: Great Pictures!

The kayak is scaling with the fishery nicely. The grass is not greener with an expensive to operate power boat.

[Mr T]

Looks like a fine day out- a fish like that will put a smile on my face for sure.

Ive never hooked a striper over 12 lbs on a fly, but perhaps someday- just seems the fishery in the delta has collapsed compared to my memories.