Big Hartwell stripers on the fly

Guide Preston Harden loves to catch Lake Hartwell stripers on a fly rod and a small Clouser.

One of guide Preston Harden’s personal favorite techniques for catching stripers this month is with a fly rod.

“December is the best time of the year to catch huge stripers on a fly rod because the fish are often so shallow,” he said. “That’s the key in this lake: having the fish close enough to the shoreline where they can readily see and take a fly. But sometimes when fish are schooling, we’ll use the fly rod as well since they obviously shallow.”

Harden prefers to tie on small Clousers in a gray, white or pearl colors.

“I do use a full sinking line so I can get the lure down a bit, and that does make a big difference on the number of bites I get,” he said. “The method to work the lure is really simple; just strip the line off and pause, let the lure fall and then repeat the process.

“Usually, we’ll get the lure down to about 10 feet deep which is usually deep enough because often the stripers will come up from slightly deeper water to take the bait.

“Even fishermen not experienced with using fly rods can be catching stripers with me within a few minutes of instruction. When a big striper loads on a small fly and fly rod, the action is intense and the excitement meter pegs off the chart.”

About Terry Madewell 799 Articles
Award-winning writer and photographer Terry Madewell of Ridgeway, S.C., has been an outdoors writer for more than 30 years. He has a degree in wildlife and fisheries management and has a long career as a professional wildlife biologist/natural resources manager.

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