Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2014 - 13

Typically, where the mountain stream and main stream meet you
find clearer water than anywhere else. In some cases, trout will move
into the tributary to escape the high water in the main stream.

a rain are the smaller mountain streams. Typically, where the
mountain stream and main stream meet you find clearer water
than anywhere else. In some cases, trout will move into the
tributary to escape the high water in the main stream. If you
are unable to locate any type of clearing waters, drive to the
absolute furthest point upstream that fish are still located, as
this will be the first water to clear.

How to fish

First, read the water carefully. Figure out where the main
current is located and find the "bellies" in the water. The belly
is the exact opposite side of the current and is the slowest
water in that section of the stream. Because it is the slowest,
the sediments flowing through the stream will typically settle
faster, and the trout will escape to this location to conserve
energy. Once the bellies have been located, I look for any type
of overhanging brush or cover. This is typically the best spot to
find trout in these conditions. Also, look for sharp bends in the
creek and large current breaks, which includes waterfalls.
PFBC website: www.fishandboat.com

Figure out where the main current is located and find the
"bellies" in the water. The belly is the exact opposite side of the
current and is the slowest water in that section of the stream.

You can approach your casting point from either upstream
or downstream, wherever you are most comfortable. When
casting from upstream, cast into the current and allow the
current to take the fly downstream. Once it is a few feet past
your target location, quickly retrieve the fly until it is at the
slowest part of the pool. Then, stop stripping it and allow
the fly to sink. This is where weighting your fly as heavily as
possible comes in handy. Once the fly has sunk, strip a little
slower, more or less bouncing the fly along the bottom until
it is out of the target location. The speed of your retrieve will
depend on how muddy the water is at that location.
When casting from downstream, cast as far upstream into
the belly of the run as possible. The retrieval will be the same
as casting from upstream. If the stream is near chocolate milk
color, take it slow, because the fish are going to be feeding
more on the vibrations going through the water than sight. As
the water clears up, having the fish spot your fly becomes more
important, and you will want to speed up your retrieval.
The next time you are heading to the stream, regardless of
the water conditions, know that fly fishing is possible if you
take the time to locate the best possible spots.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * March/April 2014

13
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2014
