Stream Terms

Wading and fishing streamers downstream is an excellent smallmouth tactic.
Wading and fishing streamers downstream is an excellent smallmouth tactic.
(A) Upper section of riffle, (B) Lower section of riffle, (C) Back Eddy, (D) Grass Bed, (E) Gravel Bar, (F) Deep part of pool and (G) Downfall
(A) Upper section of riffle, (B) Lower section of riffle, (C) Back Eddy, (D) Grass Bed, (E) Gravel Bar, (F) Deep part of pool and (G) Downfall

Anglers just getting into fly fishing are often confused by some of the terms we use to describe the stream and currents. Here are some of my explanations that will help you.

  • Upstream: Going against the direction the stream is flowing
  • Head of the pool: The extreme upstream section of a pool
  • Tail of the pool: The extreme downstream section of a pool
  • Pool in a stream: The portion of a stream which lies between the head and the tail of the pool
  • Back Eddy: A Lazy Susan, usually on the slow side of a stream, where the current turns to run upstream, usually along the bank
  • Riffle: The rapid flowing section of the stream between the tail of the pool above and the head of the pool below
  • Corner of a small mountain trout stream: Tiny Lazy Susan on the side of some pools just below the riffle
  • Grass Bed: Aquatic vegetation growing within the stream
  • Gravel Bar: Pea to marble size stone bottom, usually occurring adjacent from stream bank
  • Downfall: Trees laying within the stream bed