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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — Many of our rivers and streams are at their lowest flows during winter and early spring before the runoff. This can create a problem for fly anglers who are used to donning waders and getting in the water.
With low clear water, trout become very skittish. As a wading fly fisher enters the water, he can create a couple of problems for himself. First, by getting too close to the water, the trout can see a wading fly fisher enter the water, causing it to dart for cover. When a trout darts for cover, it usually sends its friends darting for cover too.
Second, a wading angler may not be aware that when entering the water, you can create a wake. A wake migrating out over the water can alert the trout and can also send them for cover. Once the fish are spooked, it is almost impossible to catch them until they calm down. If the fish can still sense a fly fisher is present, they will usually not feed.
One thing a fly fisher may consider during times of low water levels is to leave the waders home and learn to fish by sneaking along the bank or by "rock hopping." This can give the fly fisher the advantage, especially on smaller streams and rivers.
On boulder-strewn rivers, a fly angler can hide behind or climb on boulders to sneak up on trout. Once in place, a fly is presented in spots likely to hold trout. If the river doesn't have large boulders and rocks, anglers can stay back on the bank or gravel near the water's edge and present their offering from that position without spooking the trout.
Most anglers will fish the bottom of a run first. When a fish is hooked, they can put pressure on the fish and try to keep it from moving up the run and spooking other trout. Of course, this isn't always possible when a decent-sized trout is hooked. Oftentimes, however, if you can keep the trout from running upstream, it is possible to catch another trout in the middle or head of the run.
Another important consideration when fishing in low water conditions is to keep a low profile. By staying on the bank you can bend forward when approaching the water, then squat, kneel and even sit down while casting in fishy looking water or for individually spotted fish.
Don't let the low water and skittish trout frustrate you. By learning a few waderless techniques like using shore-side cover, rock hopping boulders, fishing from the bank, and squatting, kneeling and sitting while fly fishing, it possible to catch low-water trout.
What other tips do you recommend when fishing in low water levels? Let us know in the comments.
For more tips on fishing during runoff season, click here.
Robert Williamson is a graduate of Weber State College and the author of "Creative Flies: Innovative Tying Techniques."
