Debris, in this case I'm speaking of the woody kind. These are areas of a stream where from natural causes in the streams make up create these collections of logs, branches, twigs and over time leaves. These debris areas can be small and sometimes quite large. They afford very good protection for wild trout, as well as an insect attraction point.
When fishing these woody debris places on small streams I try to allow my fly to drift as close to the main part of the pile. Usually there is a good flow there and good visibility to hiding trout. The fly can be taken in front of, alongside of or just past these natural ambush areas. A word of caution, keep a close eye on your fly, these areas can capture your flies, and losses can be high, but your ability to get more hits will improve if you fish these areas.
The photos here show several different woody debris areas on a small stream. Each one requires a little thought as to where the angler should position himself to present the fly. I fished this stream yesterday and a trout was taken from each area.
A place to find hungry trout.
These woody debris areas can change. During high and swift water flows, and ice jams during the winter. This past spring I had to learn the stream all over because of the nasty winter changing things around.
This debris area produced this beautiful rainbow
The next time you fish a small stream and spot one of these debris areas, drift a fly along it..... you may be surprised.
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Brk Trt, wonderful post as usual.....DRYFLYGUY
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely fish you are finding in those tangled places!
ReplyDeleteBoth fish have the most beautiful colouring.
ReplyDeleteI always aim for the debri. If your fly hits in the right location a fish will hit it before it gets a chance to get snagged. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteBrk Trt...That is a beautiful brookie. I would never have suspected such nice sized fish for a stream that small. Nice Job.
ReplyDeleteBrk Trt
ReplyDeleteYou constantly surprise with your ability to find fish. Is there any flowing water too small in your neck of the woods that doesn't hold fish?
DRYFLYGUY,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Regular Rod,
Thanks.
There are some fine ones to be caught.
Phillip,
Thanks.
The brookies are starting to color up nicely now.
Kev2380,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Your absolutely right. They will slam it hard and fast.
Kiwi,
Thanks.
This stream has some real fine fish in it. It was a lot lower this time last summer. The brookies survived a tough winter too.
John,
Thanks.
Most freestone streams, providing they stay cool will hold brookies.
The colors....brilliant!
ReplyDeleteBrk Trt, those are some gorgeous fish! Congrats. Also, what fly were you using, if you don't mind me asking?
ReplyDeleteNice rewards from the "debris"...well done! The colors of the fish are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteThe colors and spotting on that rainbow are stunning. The brookie ain't half bad either.
ReplyDeleteNice post.
Good job making the most of your small stream structure. I bet you can feel the strike before it happens as the fly drifts by those roots.
ReplyDeletee.m.b.,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Gaeron,
Thanks.
The fly used was a "Ausable Bomber", one of the best flies you can fish.
Sanders,
Thanks.
True beauty from a pile of woodland trash.
George,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
It's been sometime since I've taken a rainbow with such beautiful markings.
Savage,
Thanks.
The strike can come swiftly, but many times the fly is missed.
Nice post! Great fish pics! Love the small streams. Winter is coming and I'll be back on Crane Creek soon! Is that a Royal Wluff in that last pic?
ReplyDeleteSome of my most memorable experiences flyfishing have been at such tangles. The fly approaches the plunge under the debris and just before I can rescue it from capture a flash, often at some distance and from the edge of the stream, snatches it first. The colors and shape, transformed by the surging water, imprint in my mind's eye so sharply I still can visualize them months, even years, later despite the small fraction of a second that it took to unfold.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is AWEsomE!! Both of those fish are spectacular. The photos are great too. The Bomber strikes again and again and just won't quit. Way to coax them out of those sweet hiding spots. I head out tomorrow in search of Brookies and have a pile of Bombers to try. Thanks for the inspiration. Tight Lines.
ReplyDeleteFly Waters Edge-Kevin,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
The fly is a "Ausable Bomber. It's a great fly.
Gary,
Thanks.
It's amazing how we can recall those hits. No matter where you fish, when you see a similar piece of water that memory comes back.
Trout Magee,
Thanks.
I hope you have an enjoyable outing with those Bombers and brookies.
I recall fishing with my son, he was probably eight or so at the time, and we fished a small pool where I though we would get fish. Nothing happened. As he let the fly drift through the next riffle it bounced along a log. A sixteen inch Brown too it. Biggest fish I've ever seen in that stream. We both learned a lesson that day about woody debris. Thx for the reminder and a great post.
ReplyDeleteYou sure have some beautiful water and fish in your backyard. Great small stream advice , thanks...Jeff
ReplyDeleteSteve Zakur,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
In those small streams any cover available will probably hold a trout.
HighPlainsFlyFisher...Jeff
Thanks.
I am fortunate to have several little waters so close.