Well, it's that time of year again; you know, the time where all the streams are blown out from the massive snow melt. With all the snow we've gotten this year, it's shaping up to be a murky one. Chances are, for the next week or two, all of your local streams will be stained brown and flowing pretty well. But it's warm outside and you want to fish!! Here are a few tips on picking up fish during the thaw.
1. Choosing Color
When the water is stained especially, you want to make sure you are fishing with flies that will stand out to the fish. This means focusing on your bright or dark flies. Black, dark brown, and purple are some of my favorite dark colors to fish in muddy waters and alternatively, White, Chartreuse, and Yellow are also some good colors to try out. Don't be afraid to get flashy either...this is the time to try out those crazy patterns you tied up that night you had one to many.
2. Choosing Water
When the water is high, your favorite riffle may not fish like it does during normal conditions. As the water rises, the fish will be moving to places where it is easier for them to hold in the current. This usually means they will be going to the sides of the stream. Don't be shy...hit every pocket! You'd be surprised how many trout hold within a foot from the shore, especially during high water conditions.
3. Presentation
As the water rises, more and more food get stirred up. Target these spots on the stream where the food will be plentiful. Look for foamy water, especially where there is an eddy. Fish will hold in these areas and eat all the food they can see. This is where having your boxes prepared will help you...start tying anchor flies! The water is going to be raging and you're going to need that extra weight to get your flies down. When fishing a double rig, it seems to get the flies down quicker when you put your heavier fly as your second (bottom) fly.
4. Fly Selection
During the thaw I like to keep my fly selection broad. As long as you're using dark or bright flies, anything can work; from streamers to stoneflies. Streamers can be very productive during the muddy waters, but if the fish aren't cooperating, don't be afraid to switch to some nymphs that will "pop." This is also the time to swallow your pride and fish that sucker spawn, egg or greenie weenie! The fish pictured below was caught on a lime green scud in very muddy water this morning. The only flies I would shy away from are tiny midges and nymphs. Although they can be extremely productive in other conditions, the fish just don't seem to see them in these conditions.
5. Don't Lose Hope
If you aren't catching fish right away, don't lose hope! Yes, you may not get as many fish as you do when the conditions are ideal, but the chances of picking up the fish of a lifetime are still there. Take the time to enjoy yourself on the stream...it is much better than being locked in your house tying flies and avoiding the polar vortex! The fish below was one of two fish all day today. We did not catch many, but this is the one that made it count!
 |
| 22" PA Brown |
Ty
