Salmon and Steelhead Success
It’s that time of year again - a chill is in the air, the water temps are dropping, and the chromers are swimming. Check out some RiverBum tips and reminders to improve your fly fishing success...
Tie Your Leaders at Home
This is simply just a common sense time saver that many anglers don’t follow.
Let’s face it, you’ll be more efficient and more effective in the warmth of your home than with freezing, numb hands on the river.
Also, by having your leaders pre-tied, change-outs are quick and easy. The more leaders you have, the quicker the change-outs, and the more accessible your leaders….means the more time you line is in the water.
When you’re on the river, it’s time to fish.
Check River Levels Often
River flow impacts clarity and overall fishing. Rainstorms, early snow melt, dam openings, irrigation canals and even tributary activity can all influence and reap havoc on our favorite streams.
When it comes to winter steelheadding, this can determine where and how you will fish.
Before heading out, check out the CFS from several point on your favorite river, not just the spots you’ll be hitting. This will give you and good overall view of what’s going on it the watershed.
Conditions can change at any moment, so getting a good read on the water can be the difference between stocking the freezer and going home empty handed.
Know the flows can really dictate how you fish.
If the river is high and off-color, you’ll probably be plunking. Those conditions are going to be super tough for a subtle fly presentation.
On the other hand, if the river is low and clear, swinging your favorite fly patterns could be just what the doctor ordered!
Black Bear Green Butt
Blue Charm
Move It!
One of the biggest challenges for bank fishermen is being over-committed to one spot. If you’re not mobile enough to find fish, catching them can be tough.
There’s many bank fishermen that hit a spot or two before going to work. This is fantastic if you are fortunate enough to be within a quick shot of your favorite river.
However, if you’re not catching fish, and anglers around you aren’t either, a change of strategy is in order.
Many steelhead streams are small and located in close proximity to one another. Many times, you’ll catch that first fish within a half hour of hitting the hole.
Make sure you’re equipped to be mobile and don’t tie yourself down to one spot.
Change It Up
We all know that even changing sizes of the same fly can make the difference between frustration and success. Even your favorite go to flies have their bad days.
The next time you’re frustrated on the water, change it up.
Comet Orange
Green Highlander
Muddler Minnow Marabou Purple Salmon Hook
Shrimp Epoxy Tan
Sleep In
An early start isn’t always the best answer for catching fish. In fact, a late start can yield surprising results.
Early-morning pressure can be intense, especially when it comes to bank-fishing. However, after only a couple of hours of fishing, many folks head off to work, while others will usually call it a day by mid-morning.
If you’re looking to avoid crowds, try following them. Wait...What?....
Head to the river AFTER the majority of anglers have left. Hit the water around 8:00 after most folks have left for work. Even better, hit the water around 11:00. Most folks are done for the day, off to work etc.
This give the fish a bit of time to settle down and you just might have the water all to yourself!!!
As above, don’t be afraid to change it up too. Highly pressured fish will respond to different presentations. Having a variety….and swinging a variety….is the key to success here.
Give these tips a try, you’ll catch more fish….you can bank on it.
As always.....
Tight Lines and Screaming Drags