l've been checking out this small stream near me. It's pretty narrow but surprisingly deep in spots like hip-deep and the current is moving really fast. The water is crystal clear, so I'm having a tough time seeing any fish before they probably see me and bolt. I did see a few crayfish, so I know there's life in there.
I'm planning on going back with some PowerBait worms, small scented larvae, and a few spinners, but I'm worried the current is just going to wash my bait away before it hits the bottom.
How would you approach a spot like this? Is it better to fish the bubbly 'waterfall' areas or try to drift something into those dark tunnels/culverts? Also, since the water is so clear, how do you stay hidden so you don't spook everything?
Any tips on gear or how to actually fish the fast current would be massive. Cheers.
Posted by Consistent_Leg5124
3 Comments
If it were me, I would primarily run inline spinners, ones on the smaller side. Natural colors in the clear water.
Think about how a fleeing or alarmed baitfish would navigate or act while being forced through the section you are fishing. Try to replicate that with the path of your spinners.
Wear earth tone colors and keep your movements slow and methodical. No fast/twitchy movements or bright colored clothes.
If you are approaching a section from upstream, give a wide berth. Don’t walk right down the edge of the stream. Stay back 10-15′ if you can and don’t walk right up on the hole, riffle, or eddie that you are targeting. In crystal clear water, trout will see you approaching.
Edited to add: Target current seams, over hanging banks/brush, eddies behind rocks or ripples. Ideally you want to target shaded, slower moving water directly near swift water. They sit in those “protected” areas waiting for stuff to wash through the swift water.
Dry flies
I’d use extremely light tackle and anything that can effectively float
Someone said “flies” and I agree with that. Spinners MIGHT work but you might spend your time unsnagging them