Striper on the Fly

Won't be long now. Each year when the water temps warm up on the lakes, the striper hit the TN River in search of cooler water temps. They always make their way up the Hiwassee River where they find the cooler water and the food they need to survive.
These things are a blast to catch on a fly rod. They are self-propelled mouths and feed heavily during their visit in the river. The one pictured below is about 18 pounds and considered to be on the small side when compared to others caught each year on the Hi. He took a rainbow trout imitation fly (if you look closely you can see it in his mouth) and really nailed it. If I remember correctly, I think he was caught on the first cast after being seen with his buddies swimming across current in front of the bow of the boat. He readily took the fly and the fight was on!