The snow has melted and the April showers have begun. Warming water and high flows sometimes leaves you at home wishing you could fish. It doesn't have to be that way. A little planning, for safety, and a sense of adventure will put some of the largest trout you'll catch all season in the net.
It all starts with monitoring various levels of your local river. Watch how it reacts to various levels of CFS. Don't call it blown out if its muddy or stained. On certain streams this can be the best time to catch huge trout. The other thing to keep in mind is you'll need some kind if watercraft to maneuver in higher levels, as wading is generally unsafe or impossible. This is where knowing your river comes into play. Where to put in, where to take out, how long will it take, are there any dangerous obstructions that are impassable that are going to cause potential on river complications it worst yet serious injury. After your scouting is complete. The fishing part is easy. Streamers, streamers and streamers. Various colors and sizes then pound the banks for huge predators looking to ambush prey in every pocket, seem, and eddy. In my next post I'll talk about new lines and equipment that are new to the market that have been specifically designed to help with modern streamer techniques. Start scouting and I'll see you on the water!
