River fishing for trout in the Rocky Mountains is a most enjoyable pastime for anglers who are lucky enough to be able to do so. An early spring or summer day of fishing a clear mountain stream or river can be a welcome change from everyday life. Manageable stream flows make wading and fishing conditions among the best of the year. Late spring can present a different picture for the stream angler.
Mid to late spring means run-off in the Rocky Mountains. As temperatures in higher elevations consistently reach above freezing snow-pack starts to melt. This time of year sees the highest rate of increase in melt-off resulting in very high stream flows, or run-off. Many anglers either hang up their waders and store their rods or seek out stillwater fishing options. Giving up stream fishing during run-off isn’t altogether necessary if you adjust your approach.
Go Upstream for Lower Flows and Clearer Water
Early and late in the run-off period it can be beneficial to go as far as possible upstream in search of clear water. Early on this may mean going as far as snow and ice will allow. Though water temperatures may be somewhat below the optimum range the lower flow rate and clearer water conditions can make higher elevation fishing more productive.
Later in the run-off season some tributaries may clear faster than others. By venturing upstream along a main river these tributaries are easily recognized. Not all tributary drainages melt off at the same rate. Trout will instinctively seek out the clearer water.
Seek Out Clear Tributaries
Though a particular drainage will generally get the same amount of snow-pack in a season it doesn’t always melt at the same rate. Early in the run-off north-facing slopes and drainages see much less direct sunlight and warmth. It is not unusual to find a tributary fed by a north-facing drainage that is running considerably clearer than south-facing drainages.
If such a tributary is present, try fishing in that stream. Trout will often take refuge in the clear water of such a stream. The confluence of a clear tributary with a murky river is also a good location to find trout. The influx of clear water can draw larger numbers of fish to the area than might normally be present.
Toward the end of the run-off period the opposite may be true. South-facing drainages that have received more warmth from direct sunlight can often clear as north-facing drainages start to cloud. Trout seeking clear water conditions will often take up position in these tributaries or at the confluence with the main river.
These locations don’t always exist and may not exist for long when they do but can be exceptionally productive. If you’re looking for a hot spot during turbid water conditions be sure and check clear tributaries carefully.
Side Channels and Edges are a Good Place to Prospect
During run-off, smaller side channels of a main river can be relatively clear. Such locations can also be safer to wade with a lower rate of flow. Even if the water in a side channel is only marginally clearer than the main river the lower flow rate is very desirable to trout. The reduced flow makes it easier for trout to hold in the streambed. Any degree of clarity greater than the main river will also make visibility of flies, lures and bait much greater for the trout.
River edges and banks can also be an excellent location for trout to hold and feed. Due to the hydrodynamics in a river the water along edges is slowed by friction. The main river flow occurs where the water encounters less friction. Close examination of the surface flow will reveal areas that are moving at a slower rate along the edges of the river.
Objects such as fallen trees, boulders or rock outcroppings create refuges from strong current for trout. These objects act as barricades against the constant flow by creating eddies of calmer water. Trout will position themselves behind any object that creates an eddy big enough to fit their profile. I have seen very large trout take up position behind a rock just six inches high. Even the smallest eddy coupled with the slower current of a river edge equates to an excellent holding position for trout.
Slower currents along the edges of rivers are not only easier to fish, they are virtual magnets for trout. Not only is it easier for trout to hold and feed in the reduced flow, the water is most often clearer making it easier for trout to see a fly, lure or bait.
Except for the extreme peak of run-off look for any or all of these clearer and slower water conditions to locate trout. All of these situations will be trout havens at some time or another during the run-off. Only in the absolute worst stages of run-off will these conditions be absent.
Seek out any stretch of water that is less turbid, with slower flow or both. Remember that just because the fishing conditions may be less than ideal doesn’t mean the trout won’t be hungry.
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