Meadow streams often provide minimal shade for the fish residing between their banks. The banks themselves though are sometimes a life saver. Where a stream twists and turns, its current gouges out dirt and rocks form beneath sod, and a refuge is created. A well versed angler knows that brown trout gravitate to these undercuts, especially on sunny days, and also knows ways to draw them out. My own strategy typically involves an Ausable Ugly and a tuck cast. The big, buggy fly is appealing to a trout's eyes and it's lateral line as it enters the water with a plop. I've spent days worth of hours fishing in this manor with hundreds of trout to hand. It is just about fool-proof, though having good water to do it in helps.
One stream I fish is a particularly good example of the sort of a stream where undercuts are key. It weaves in and out of woodland and meadow and wherever the water isn't shaded by trees, the fish are just about all tucked deep under the banks. I payed it a visit this spring, and found things going as they typically do. The fishing wasn't outstanding but it certainly wasn't bad either.
Takes on this day were far more numerous than hookups. Part of that was the average fish size. This stream has an abundance of spawning habitat and food, so there's a bumper crop of small fish each year and they grow quickly. These little guys hit repeatedly and hard but don't usually get hooked. Weeding through them to find some slightly larger fish can at times be a chore.
When a larger trutta does come out to grab the Ugly, it is usually a pretty violent hit. The fish comes out quickly, grabs the fly, and turns to go back under the bank. If its an especially large fish, it probably hooks itself. A smaller one might drop the fly so quickly you never have a chance to get a hook set. I really haven't figured out a formula for getting every one of these fish that hits. I know that isn't possible, but I'd at least like to improve my ratio a bit.
As the current heat wave proceeds, please be sure to have the health of the fish you are targeting in mind. Carry a thermometer, and don't fish for wild trout in water temperatures exceeding 68 degrees. Fish dawn after cool nights and pay attention to the weather. A cool rain could spur excellent conditions. And, if you want to learn the tactics I've described in this post, book a trip before it gets too hot!
Until next time,
Beautiful browns out of that smallish stream. Good advice on the 68F water temp. That is my limit to fish also.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteGreat fish on a bright and sunny day!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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