There are places found on small streams that are always worth exploring. Most anglers know about them and may fish them from time to time. These areas can have very subtle flows that seem to glide into the bank, while others sort of rip through a turn. Some seem to be a collection of natural junk like trees, branches and in Autumn countless leaves. These special places are bends in the stream. I for one will never pass on such places and will drift a fly through several times, and then again.
The soft turn of the stream pictured above is a place where a bomber floated will almost always bring a strike. While it may look placid there is a nice current bringing food and oxygen. Its undercut bank and shade provide the needed cover for trout.
The bend here has a log laying length wise with a good current. This bend would fish well with a wet fly, and a dry. Drifting a bomber or stimulator through and the allowing it to be swept under and pulled to the surface will gather attention.
This is my favorite type of bend. I will stay and fish here even if it seems to be void of fish. The smooth-semi fast current along with the woody debris has got to hold a fish, and in most cases more than one.
This bend has given up some very nice trout over the years. There are many holding areas as well as feeding zones. The trout will take the fly almost any where, and some of the biggest ones were taken right along the rocks on the far bank.
Trout like this inhabit those bends. So the next time out on a small stream don't pass up the "bends"
Would like to see some of that green colored foliage now Brk Trt!!! Beautiful pics as always!!! Waiting on a January Thaw!!
ReplyDeleteTROUTI,
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Pete it won't be long...I hope.
I agree with the above comment...the first thing I thought when I saw this post was "Man , some green grass and leaves on the trees , did I die and go to heaven??"
ReplyDeleteGreat advice Alan , stream bends and the hiding places they afford trout are always a spot that's on my radar.
HighPlainsFlyFisher,
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Jeff , if enough of us wish for better weather maybe it will happen.
They are great locations.
I really am going to have to give this type of fishing a try this year.....or any type as it's been far, far to long since my line was tightened!
ReplyDeleteJohn Wooldridge,
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Got to get out there John.
Looking at these wonderful pictures and then outside my window is making me a bit sad. Miserable weather today.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle,
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Here to buddy. I'm glad it's mostly rain.
A good reminder Alan. I guess you have us all dreaming of spring
ReplyDeleteMark,
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It's not that far away...is it?
thanks for a bit of warmth and color! :)
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
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I'm hoping for a few days of 40 degree weather...doesn't look like it though.
Wise advice Alan and beautiful photos. On your second picture the first thought was, I'd go across stream and move that downed log. I know I'd hook it every time.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
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Howard while I might hook it on one out of three casts, I would leave it alone. The reason being I'd cripple myself or fall in if I was to try and lift it.
Thoughtful post with excellent wisdom too.....thanks!
ReplyDeleteKiwi,
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Chris it's a little more knowledge in the small stream book.
I hope there are some young anglers reading this blog.
Temptation is tough on us ol' Geezers who don't access the small streams as often as you do, Alan. I think I would just stay there and cast rather I caught any fish or not. Thanks for the wisdom..........................
ReplyDeleteMel,
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Mel that's the same thing I do from time to time. You can cast and cast and not take a hit, you say nothing there. And on the 15th cast a reward.
Alan
ReplyDeleteExceptional water to fish on a small stream; just wondering are you fishing these areas from the bank mostly or in the water. I would think stealth be a big factor when fishing that close to the bank. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
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On a small stream 95% of the fishing takes place from the bank. I fish far upstream and cast the fly and let it drift. I try to keep movements to a minimum.
Beautiful pictures and great knowledge shared here...thanks. Looking forward to some days that look like those images.
ReplyDeleteMichael Curry,
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I hope it happens for you soon Mike.
Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed reading and learned a lot on how to read small stream water. Best thing about this sport. Always learning something.
ReplyDeleteAtlas,
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I'm glad I was able to offer some insight.
I learn every time I'm fishing, the trout have good educations.
Great post, it was nice to see you break it down to the bends and the way you fish them. Tight spots to fish there, and not for the faint of heart :)
ReplyDeleteHoward, maybe leave the log alone too, for the sake of it creating natural protection for the fish and becoming an important part of their habitat, respectfully speaking.
While sometimes its tempting to move debris, all I would be doing is scaring the fish and altering their natural habitat. The key is to learn to cast under those things in the way, and the fish you find are all the more rewarding for it, aren't they?
Klags,
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Tight spots, yes. But they can be fished and they're not as bad as they look.
Most times I'll snag once and most times I'll get my fly back, but it's worth the effort.