So spring is here and although we are at the tail end of the snow run off in most of the State, it brings to mind a good topic. What do you do when your go to spot is blown out?
This is an honest question. There are no correct answers when it comes to fly fishing. There are things that work and things that don't but there is no "RIGHT" answer. So I'll tell you how I handle high water and you can read it and think I'm stupid, or you can comment your thoughts. I am fine with either course of action. So shall we jump into it?
As anglers we all have water that we are comfortable fishing. It does not matter the skill level, some water just clicks with us. We will always be more confident fishing this water and tend to run to it when we have free time. But when the water is high it can alter all the plans for the fishing. Now don't get me wrong when water is at flood stage and pure chocolate milk I like to cuss, take a deep breath and drive away like I just lost my best friend. In most cases it is not the end of the day if the river or stream is high.
What are the next steps?! Well it's at this point I find myself turning towards Google Maps or the Maine Gazetteer. I just start looking for other bodies of water. Tributaries to larger rivers can provide a relief for fish from the big flows and murky water and often clear up well before the larger rivers do. It is not uncommon to go to smaller tributaries and find decent fish scattered throughout. Small water can also offer a really enjoyable fishing experience as fish hold in pockets. So there are most definitely positives to getting pushed into the feeder streams.
What if the smaller streams are not an option? Well a lot of times fishing styles have to change to adapt to the river condition. I find myself targeting the deeper slow water on the outsides of runs and dredging bottom with nymph rigs. I have also found this to be my favorite time to use an strike indicator as the takes can be very subtle. The rig will float nearly straight down and show every bump. I also have the best hook sets on rocks. These hook sets put me in a trance and then i tend to weak set the hook on an actual fish. If I only had a nickel for every fish I have lost from that. I would have at least a few bucks. Depending on how long the flow has been up seems to have an effect on how many fish are willing to play. As for fly selection? Well I try to turn over some rocks and see what kind of bug life may be getting stirred up off the bottom. If you can match it you should do well! Also I have found that a lot of time in the murky water small and dark is the color choice. Apparently fish have better eye sight than I do..... There are times where a flashy streamer on a slower retrieve have worked really well for me to. At some point every fish is ready for a good meal.
So as I mentioned, by no means am I the golden standard of fly fishing. However, I Have found success doing what I have mentioned above. I also figure to most of you who read this you'll think to yourself, "Ya no S#@t". Well if that's the case sorry for wasting your last 5.23 minutes. I hope to some of you this helps keep you on the water even when conditions aren't great. Also leave a comment if you do something different or have other tips. We can all help each other enjoy this sport more and more.
Sincerely,
Shawn Soucie
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