Fly Fishing Tips

 

 

At the end of that riffle is usually a run.  The current's speed stays pretty even throughout the run and the depth increases from the top to the bottom.  They can be as shallow as a foot or two and can run near ten feet in depth in larger rivers, but most tend to be a few feet deep.  You'll notice that as a run makes it's transition from a riffle, it starts out a little bumpy, but it comes as the run continues.  

Runs will often offer prime lies for trout.  You can find bigger rocks and boulders in runs that offer excellent places for a trout to chill.  Always try to get your fly in front of and behind these as you work the water.  Also, if you notice spots of turbulence or dead spots, those are most likely submerged rocks that are not always visible.  They are excellent places for trout to lie as well.  Remember to watch that bubble line and work the seams.  If the run goes around a bend, you will notice that the current is fastest on the outside of the bend.  That fast current often is void of fish, but the seam on either side where the current is a little slower is where I expect a trout to hold.  If there are little back eddies along the banks, you know where I'm aiming.

 

 

These are very shallow puddles, often completely void of water.  Just checking to see if you were still with me.  Pools are pretty self explanitory.  Usually fast water and a steep slope combine to create a pool.  Generally, the current slows down substantially and this section of the stream widens and deepens.  It is generally believed that pools hold the biggest trout.  Most people try to catch the biggest trout.  The problem is, as I mentioned at the beginning of this article, the biggest trout don't often feed like the others.  They may be holding in that pool, but they are probably not feeding.  Some would argue with me, and I've seen some nice pictures, so... these are guidelines, not rules.  If it's late in the day (or early in the night) I'll strip a streamer through there for sure.  I will fish the head of the pool just beyond the white water, if there is any.  Then I try the seems near the banks, then I go through the body.  I work the tail similarly, looking for trout and possible lies the whole time.

 

 

Pocket water can be identified by the large rocks and boulders that cover the river bed.  The current in pocket water is pretty fast.  That combined with all of the obstacle in the water create some pretty rough water.  Sometimes it would seem that it would be too rough for fish live because of how much energy it would require to fight the current.  However, the same rocks and boulders that create this white capped water can create some pretty supreme lies.  Behind some of those boulders are very calm waters near the bottom.  Here's a little secret.  If you see long light patches behind rocks and boulders, that will tell you there is calm water.  That is sand and gravel sitting untouched by the swirling current surrounding it.  Now look for the trout.  The water is probably too rough to see it, but it's there.  Often you have to high stick the presentation because the current will immediately pull any line you have on the water.  But, if you can drop a fly right at the calm spot (often the trout is at the furthest possible spot downstream in that calm water) you will often be rewarded with a beastly strike.  In pocket water, look for the seems.  Those calm spots are a dead give away.  Like slower runs, keep an eye out for calm spots (slicks) and turbulent spots - Don't forget those big rocks below the surface.

 

Well, that's the nuts and bolts reading water.  Hopefully this will help your fly fishing productivity.  Take the time to watch the water for a bit.  Pay attention to your surroundings.  You will be amazed at what you learn, especially now that you know how to read. 

 

 

 

 

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