High water tactics

[Abalone]

Feeder streams ! and fish the big rivers right next to the bank.

As applied to fly fishing. Anyone catch a Steelhead today ?

[SilverFly]

Most of my winter steelhead flyfishing experience is on a smaller streams. I don't typically FF larger streams especially high water. I have had good luck drift fishing in high/murky conditions though. Since the fish will likely be on the move, I look for resting areas immediately upstream of long stretches of fast water. I especially like tailouts with a dropoff or ledge with 3-5' of depth right against the bank. If the tailout is on or above a river bend, the bank on the inside of the bend is the place to be.

Find a spot like that and you can catch fish literally under your rod tip. Should actually be easy to do with a fly rod (maybe even cheating!). I would nymph a larger weighted pattern like a leadeye leech or conehead bugger (or a PW pattern!). The downside is you risk getting spooled if a fish decides to head downriver!

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[Airborne]

Great advice maybe too good, kidding as always :jester: but be prepared for a slam strike when dipping your fly along the bank, I broke a rod a few years back because I was bit too quick with the hook set.

[SilverFly]

Thanks AB. Of course if anyone manages to catch a challenge winning fish with it, they can always share the prize flys with me! :grin: :wink:

This post has me thinking that high water might actually be a great time to FF. Although does it really count as flyfishing if your only flipping a foot or two of flyline past the tip? :wink: You're right about those short leash takes being vicious though!

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[mandinga]

High water tactics....hmmmmmm...


I guess my highwater tactics would involve my computer, tv and recliner since I will be at home waiting for the water to drop. :sleep:


I have never had much luck with high water, but I have heard some really good reports when that water is Nestle Quicklike.