Fishing Streams & Rivers
When fishing streams and rivers you will find both challenges and opportunities that you won’t encounter in a lake. For example, you can easily find hot spots in rivers, such as the bottom of a small waterfall, or the slack water next to the fast water. The trick with bigger rivers is to get your presentation out from the shore far enough to where the fish are holding. Here is where a boat comes in handy. With a boat you can find seams and pools filled with fish, and target them precisely instead of fighting the current from the shore. You are also free to penetrate more remote areas for productive holes untouched by shore anglers.
Because a boat won’t help you in smaller streams, a good set of waders and river shoes make all the difference. To work those streams effectively, you must sneak up on holes to avoid being detected by trout. Work every pocket, pool or seam no matter the size – some of the biggest fish hide in the most unlikely places. Many smaller rivers can run quite warm in the summer, and wading can give you a refreshing break from the heat of the day. Make sure to bring a hat, too!
TIPS
- Get a pair of polarized glasses to spot fish underwater. This will save you a lot of time.
- Talk to the locals! Anglers at the local bait and tackle shop can usually give you the best tips.
- Many lakes and streams have regulations in place to preserve the quality of the resource. Always check the regulations before fishing!
- Rivers and streams are a go-to for trout and salmon.
