This kind of fishing in heavy flows (900 plus CFS.) is hard work. The banks can be slick and I have taken a few spills. I feel beat up after a morning of fishing. One has to hug the bank but then the willows often get in the way of our casting. And of course hooking a big fish that takes off in the main current can mean trouble. Expect to go through a lot of flies as the bottom has many sticks buried under the rocks and sand that results in snags.
In spite of all these obstacles there are fish to be caught. Wade carefully!!!
It can be extremely disappointing when our favorite waters get blown out. I know a lot of anglers simply choose to sit it out and wait for the water levels to subside. I look at it as a challenge which further tests one's abilities to think outside the box. Safety must be a top priority under these conditions. Stay safe my friend!
ReplyDeleteScott, Yep, "Out of the box" might mean "out of the river," chucking from the bank, behind or among the willows, (which experienced anglers like yourself can accomplish.) I like the way you think in terms of seeing it all as a challenge. Good for you. I am also hoping that the high water (if the fish can truly remain and feed and catch their breath! ), the temporary closure, and the fewer anglers currently on the river can all result in a healthier population of trout. I also like to venture to Deckers during high flows (not this high though!) and look for BIG fish as the higher flows allow those big ones to roam around some and not just sit under a boulder. Last summer we saw, hooked, and even landed some monsters. I am quite certain during these flows some of the big fish come down from the private clubs. I am sure you know all of this already.... Just chatting. Thanks for writing Scott.
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