THE GREAT OUTDOORS — The spring runoff is a good time to fly fish the local rivers and streams with nymphs on the bottom. Despite the high, muddy waters, good fish can still be caught in high water conditions.

In Utah's high-elevation rivers, the current is swift, which can make for hazardous wading in deep pockets of water. But if you concentrate on the shallowest runs you can find and bounce nymphs off the bottom, you can still produce trout during this otherwise “between time” for many anglers.

What bait to use

Nymphs, insects in their early stages of life in a river, can include such patterns as caddis, stoneflies, midges, scuds, San Juan worms, prince nymphs, hare's ear, pheasant tail and other emerger imitations. Your local tackle store can introduce you to these flies and even offer suggestions for use in specific waters. Generally, you can find a fly angler in most shops who is familiar with local streams and the flies that are common there. Matching the hatch in an area is important for successful fishing.

Where to go

Such northern Utah rivers as the Logan, Provo, Currant Creek and Weber, among others, will surrender fish to those willing to search out key holes and work them thoroughly. Find slower runs, even if deep, and get those nymphs down to where the fish are protecting themselves against the current.

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4 great spots to fish during runoff season

Spring is a great season, especially for fly fishermen. Some of the best bug hatches of the season happen during this time, and the fish are finally waking up after a long winter.

Regardless of the depth you’re fishing, you’ll want to have your flies, if using a dropper, or a second fly, to bump along very close to the bottom. Leader length will play a role also; the deeper the water being fished, the longer the leader you’ll need.

Anglers who fish seams along fast water and slower flows can be good, and the junction of feeder streams and the main river may produce fast action for fishing. Both cloudy and sunny days will produce, but a little sunshine seems to increase catches, likely due to visibility improvements.

If you do know of areas where feeder streams or creeks run into the main body of the river, you can sometimes find clearer water merging with the muddier runoff current. Also a factor in visibility, fish will move into and along the seam of the two differing water clarities. Experimentation is vital when scoping out potential fishing spots. You’ll come to recognize good stretches of water based upon success in other such sites.

Tips for getting and keeping your catch

To get your flies down to your target, use either weighted nymphs or split-shot to put your offering into the fish’s view. Here is where a strike indicator is very valuable and can clue you in on when a take occurs. With a quick hookset when your indicator twitches or bobs in the stream, you may be able to snag a nice trout. Trout feed frequently and as often as a meal presents itself to them.

With higher flow rates, fish must be played carefully so as not to break off or pull a fly free in a strong current. When you catch a fish, let it run when it wants to and slowly maneuver the fish and yourself into a spot where you can safely net your catch. Enjoy that fight, as you’ve already outsmarted the trout with your presentation of feathers, hair, thread and hook.

Despite the occasional hang-up or snag on either a sunken brush or rock formation, catching fish using nymphs is rewarding. Searching for strikes from trout that were otherwise difficult to come by with spinning equipment, you may likely find the fly rod is the way to go.

Conclusion

Common catches in Utah's high-elevation rivers can include browns, rainbows and even cutthroat trout. Be sure to become familiar with specific rules and regulations on the river or stream you’re fishing. Some have size restrictions, while others require you to release particular trout altogether. Practicing catch and release will help keep your favorite stream supplied with fish to catch on future trips.

In the spring during runoff, you’ll want to fish often to become familiar with productive water. This is difficult for some, as getting away to our closest stream may not be possible as often as we’d like. But you’ll reap the benefits of fishing success during this frequently ignored time of the fishing calendar. Get out and give it a go. You can’t beat cabin fever any better than fly casting on a stretch of water where you may be the only angler in sight.

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