Shallow Water Streamer Fishing

Most of the time we think of stripping streamers through deep pools or across deep runs but I think I've had just as much success, if not more, hitting the shallow water near banks and pulling streamers across relatively shallow riffles.

Trout that are feeding aggressively often move to shallow water to do so. This seems to be especially true of brown trout. Consequently, it's best to target the aggressive fish in the shallows rather than spending a lot of time casting to fish that are resting or just occasionally feeding in deep water. Fish in shallow water have to make their mind up faster since they can't see the streamer from a great distance like they can in a slow deep pool.

I like to cast streamers across at the opposite bank if I'm wading or alternately at both banks if I'm drifting and can do so.

Cast as close to the bank as you can, if not right up onto the shore. You'll get many strikes on the first 2 or 3 strips as the streamer is swimming from shallow to deep.

Also, try to pull streamers across moderately shallow riffles when possible. Fish that are lying in such water are usually doing so because they are aggressively feeding.

Hit the shallows the next time you streamer fish for more chances at aggressive fish.