Fort Worth, Texas.  Late January.  Cold as you know what…

The carp aren’t rising, the largemouth aren’t shallow, it looks like a pretty dismal time of year for the avid urban fly fisherman.  I found myself in this predicament all throughout January, causing me to search for limbs to climb out to and hope that there may be an adventure around the corner that could give me my fly fishing “fix” during these cold months.

When considering what species really thrive in the colder months based on the fly fishing I have done in the past, I began thinking about trout, redfish, snook, and even tarpon in certain parts of the world.  However, being in landlocked Texas, I soon began to think about one species in particular: striped bass (stripers).  Striped bass are a species of gamefish in which are predominantly sought after in the North Eastern United States, and can grow to massive sizes (40+ pounds) in the saltwater.  In the mid to late 1900s, it was accidentally discovered that stripers could in fact breed, grow, and thrive in freshwater environments, allowing an opportunity for landlocked states with reservoirs deep enough to maintain cold water temperatures.  Stripers find themselves happiest and willing to eat with water between 50-55 F, but need a slot from 40-60 for optimal survival.  After some research, I found a “secret” location in which has been terrific for striper fishing.  This Texas spot is not one that is easily accessible, and not many people know about it (unlike other popular striper locations throughout the state).  I usually am more than willing to share information about locations, but this one is too special to risk.

The best part about fly fishing for stripers (to me) is being able to throw big, flashy streamers during the middle of winter.  A little bit of news here in that I am now tying my own flies (will post about this later, but am currently approaching my 100th fly made mark).  Throwing only my flies to these stripers has not only proved to be extremely successful, but has made the overall experience of catching these fish even more enjoyable.  I can’t wait to keep testing out flies of my own.

As for the last couple of trips, chartreuse and white colored bait fish patterns have been absolute nails.  Whether these are clouser minnows, or even bunny patterns that I have been making, this color is terrific in both clear and dirty water it seems like.  However, I have also found success with black and red saltwater flies that I use for redfish and even sharks to be successful.  These stripers will sit in the deep pools at the ends of fast currents, and will hit these flies aggressively when the time is right.  Stripers are known to actively eat and swim throughout a water column and constantly move throughout the day, so being able to fish multiple spots and find fish in nearly all of them has been unbelievable.  The fish have ranged anywhere from 5-15 pounds, and the fight on a 6 weight rod is a spectacle of its own.  These fish will dog you into the deepest section of the river, and it has made withstanding the wind and cold well worth it for January.  I am confident that fish ranging between 15-25 due indeed live in this river system, but it will take some dedication to larger flies and deeper water to find out.

The striper has been a fish that can now be checked off of the “species bucket list,” and I’m hoping that the continuation of these trips will be as successful in February.  My next outing will consist of trying to find the larger fish, making me bring out the saltwater flies and heavier tippet.  Once March hits, I will be on my way to Louisiana to fish for monster redfish, providing a transition into spring that couldn’t be any more ideal.

Tight lines,

Joe