Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 30
INTERMEDIATE
FISHING TIPS
for Low Water
Strategies
by Christian A. Shane
photos by the author
" There's a new normal in river fishing, and it has
nothing to do with moderation. Now more than ever,
anglers are encountering extreme flows, whether it be
monsoon floods or a drought-induced trickle. " Steve
Culton, Connecticut angler, guide, speaker, and blogger-
currentseams.com.
B
30
y the time July rolls around in Pennsylvania, the
summer has taken hold, and the heat of the season
is upon us. For anglers, it means facing the lack of
rainfall, low water conditions, and bright blue sky days.
Employ the use of these low water tips, strategies, and
adjustments on your next summer fishing trip.
Light and small
One of the first tricks anglers use in low water is
utilizing the lightest tackle and gear possible. Fishing lines
startle fish in drought-like conditions, so moving down to
the smallest line weights pays off. For spinning gear, rig up
with light lines such as 2-pound-test line. If using bait, use
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater
smaller hook sizes such as #12, #14, or #16 and attach less
bait. When experimenting with lures, move down a size to
a 1/4 or 5/8 weight. Also, try a topwater lure such as a popper
or Jitterbug to attract lethargic fish.
For fly anglers, lowering to 5X or 6X tippet may be the
difference between fish avoiding your flies or a successful
day on the water. While you're at it, lose the indicator
and try a hopper-dropper combination. A big, bushy
attractor pattern as an indicator may entice a fish to
come up to the surface or strike the connecting fly below.
Large terrestrial patterns (ants, beetles, and hoppers) tied
with foam or floatable material (deer or elk hair) work
well since bugs will fall in the water from the shore or
trees. Attach a trailing tippet about 12- to 18-inches to
the bend of the hook with a small nymph or wet fly for a
more natural presentation.
Shadows and shelter
The high placement of the sun in the summer can be an
angler's worst enemy. Pay attention to where your shadow
falls on the water and make position adjustments when
entering the fish's view. Sometimes, it's best to use the sun
to your advantage. Kneel if your profile is too high or use
other obstacles such as downed trees and large boulders to
hide your position. Polarized sunglasses also cut down on
the glare and give the angler an edge.
fishandboat.com
http://currentseams.com
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023
Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 5
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 6
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - 7
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2023 - Cover4
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