Reading the water is something we strive to help our students master in both our Mountain Trout and Smallmouth Bass Schools.
The first step in reading the water is to determine where you suspect the fish will be holding on his feeding station. Using polarized sunglasses, evaluate the streambottom in order to locate boulders which can alter the currents. These areas will provide protected feeding stations and ledges which can give shaded feeding stations. Undercut banks with strong currents which shunt natural foods back under the shaded banks are very important feeding stations. Aquatic grassbeds with shaded bays and deep clear cuts along the edges are good feeding stations for all fish.
Once you have a good idea where the fish are holding, the second step is to determine where to present your fly. You want to show your fly to the fish in a realistic manner.
The third step in reading the water is to determine where to position yourself to make the presentation. This is critical! For example, if you are fishing a baetis mayfly for a large trout, you need a drag free drift. If you are fishing a sculpin streamer for a bass, you need to make it swim naturally. If you are fishing a stonefly nymph dead drift for either bass or trout, you need to be able to detect the strike. Plus you need to make these presentations without scaring the fish.
Fly Fishing Schools
I’m always pleased when our students master reading the water. Our full day on the stream mountain trout schools will be starting in April and our on the stream bass schools with start in June. If you need more information, let us know.