April 2023 - 22

Tributaries of larger streams and tailwaters are good places to dip a line during run-off. (Photo by Jack Ballard)
BLOWN OUT
Sometimes, though, the run-off is virtually
impossible to fish. Exceptionally high
water or extremely limited water clarity -
less than six inches - are characteristics of
streams frequently described as blown out
in fishing reports. However, anglers may still
find some fishing in the river's drainage if
they know where to look.
Tributaries that meld to form larger
streams aren't created equal. During runoff,
some may flow from higher elevations or
protected drainages with delayed snowmelt,
running clear while their counterparts are
dirty. These streams are often an attractive
angling alternative to the blown out main
river. They also may create something of a
sanctuary for fish where their clear water
mixes with the murk on a larger stream.
Other options also exist. Tailwaters,
those segments of stream occurring below a
dam, are generally unaffected or minimally
clouded by run-off. As a rule of thumb, the
larger the dam and reservoir upstream the
22 | April 2023
less water clarity will suffer downstream.
During seasons of exceptionally high snowmelt,
water managers may dramatically
increase the flows from a reservoir. Absent
such an occurrence, tailwaters provide predictable
angling while free-flowing rivers are
blown out.
The longer, warmer days spawning the
run-off bring tailwaters to life. Cold-blooded
fish, their metabolism keyed to their surroundings,
perk up with rising water temperatures.
Hatches of various types of aquatic
insects ramp up with milder weather, presenting
varied opportunities for fly anglers
casting to cooperative fish.
With other area streams sullied by snowmelt,
I once fished the Shoshone River near
Cody at the height of run-off. Temperatures
were chilly at sunrise, but by midmorning it
felt positively spring-like on the streambank
under mostly overcast skies. Just before noon
a prolific midge hatch hit the water. Trout
began rising recklessly on the calmer sections
of the stream now swarming with bugs.

April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of April 2023

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