MAY 2017 • NEBRASKAland 37
ON THE FLY
Photos and story by Doug Steinke
WIPERS
W
hile you can catch wipers
on the fly almost any
time of the day, some days
are much better than others.
From my experience, below is
a description of the optimum
conditions that will put the odds
in your favor for catching a wiper
on a fly.
Season: April-June
Time: Late morning to sunset
Weather: Sunny day with a high
temperature of 60 degrees or
better with a 0-10 mph wind.
Rod: 5-8 weight
Line type: Floating
Leader: 6-9 feet of 20-pound
flourocarbon
Flies: Minnow imitation like a
4-inch Lefty's Deceiver or a
2-4-inch Clouser Fly
Colors: All white, white/
chartreuse and/or blue/
chartreuse
Location: Lake McConaughy, on
the north side of the lake from
Martin Bay to Admirals Cove.
Technique: Most active wipers
will be in the top three feet of
the water column. Wade into the
water up to the knees or deeper
and fan cast at a 180-degree angle.
Yes, there will be times where
you'll get a strike directly parallel
to the bank you're standing off of.
After you complete the cast,
make 6-12-inch strips and watch
your line for any indications of
"strikes" and strip set* to hook
the fish. Apply as much pressure
to the fish as you can, and if
you do this long enough you'll
eventually face a fish you won't
be able to stop.
Wipers will take you all the way
down to just a few wraps of your
backing left on your reel. If this
happens, try to grab the backing
before the fish breaks it from your
fly reel. Re-tie and start all over.
* Strip setting is when you sense a "strike" or fish taking your fly. You need to grab
the line and while pointing the rod tip at the fish, violently pull the line back toward
you without lifting the rod. This is easier said then done. It takes practice.
