How to Approach Rising Trout
As simple as approaching a trout sounds, there's a strategic technique that should be followed when attempting to get close and personal.
Take A Breath: Slow Down
Obviously you want to be breathing before you approach a trout, but that isn't what I mean by take a breath. It is very important to watch that trout rise two or three times. Those extra couple rises will tell you how timely the trout rises, where his "home" is, whether he is eating dries, nymphs or emergers. But don't only watch the trout!
Take a quick glance at your surroundings. There may be a 6 foot log or a "friendly" jet boat that is going to pass right over your target. If that is the case, adjust accordingly. Tie on your heaviest streamer, and launch a cast at that boat. (Actions not advised) Instead, you should just take a breath, absorb everything that is occurring around you, and formulate a plan.
Take Account Of The Sun
That shiny light in the sky plays a major role. The sun is a tool that should be used to a fisherman's advantage. If possible, keep the sun at your back so you are facing the trout with your shadow. With the sun at your back, you won't be staring into a glare, and your favorite red fishing shirt won't explode with color. Do not cast your shadow over the fish! They will immediately spook every time.
Do I Need Camo To Fish To Spooky Trout?
When fishing somewhere like the Henry's Fork where stealth is the name of the game, wear natural colored fishing shirts and hats. Greens, blues, and brown shirts are less visible than vibrant pink even to the trout. I still remember the day I fished the Last Chance stretch (near Trout Hunter) of the Henry's Fork with my grandpa. As we were gearing up, my grandpa noticed I was wearing a white and said to me, "You won't catch anything with a bright hat like that." Me, being a hot shot, I just brushed that little piece of sage advice off my shoulders. I thought he was just uplaying Henry's Fork's "over-rated" difficulty. I spent the rest of the morning watching my grandpa catch beautiful trout.
Get Low, Get Low
Often times you see fisherman on hands and knees crawling towards a wary fish. Simply put, the lower you are to the water, the less likely you will be seen. Always avoid standing on ledges right above a hole with active feeding trout. Your silhouette stands out more than you think.
Plan Your Approach
Once you have chosen your target, plan out a safe sturdy path that will get you from A to B. I have spooked my share of trout by stumbling on a loose rock, and plummeting into the chilly river. Personally, I like to approach the trout from below.
I know many fisherman like to walk above the trout and drop their fly down. When deciding if you want to approach the trout from above or below, take into account what you are most comfortable with, and what the river will allow you to do.