Techniques for fishing streamers vary from nymphs somewhat. A little action imparted by your rod tip, can help convince your targeted prey that minnow is injured, thereby increasing strike potential. If casting into a river, current will help you greatly in imparting 'swimming' action onto your streamer. Raisng and then lowering your rod tip, can also aid in action. Vary tempo until you find something that works. If fishing in lakes and ponds or from a boat on a river, you will need to retrieve. Again vary tempo, using short bursts followed by a count or two of idleness. Allow your streamer to fall, often times strikes happen when your fly is falling.

Favorite trout streamers include Woolly Buggers, both beadhead and non-beadhead. Mickey Finns, Jannsen's Minnows, and of course veritable Muddler Minnow and its cast of imitators. Bass fisherman have also used same patterns for years and years. Saltwater patterns all virtually fall under streamer category with perennial favorites being Lefty's Deceivers, Clouser Minnows, and Crazy Charlies. As well as various crab and shrimp patterns.

Trout fisherman might have to bulk up their gear a little, depending on what they are used to fishing with. 6 wt rods are usually preferable, with enough stoutness to cast bigger fly, and fight those sure to come bigger fish.