High Water Trout Tips

Last month, we saw the wettest October on record, with up to 9 inches of rain falling in parts of Idaho and Washington. I guess the old adage "be careful what you wish for" is coming true for me because it seems like only yesterday I was begging for some rain.

Do the higher water levels mean you can’t catch fish? Absolutely not! You'll just have to change up your tactics a bit.

While there may be more water in the river, there’s actually less holding water for fish due to increased flows. Trout will not expend their energy in fast currents, especially as water temperatures drop, so focus your efforts on the edge of seams and soft water.

Back eddies that form during high water are another spot that you can consistently find trout. Look in the swirling foam and you'll often find bugs struggling to escape the whirlpool of impending doom.

Big and Bright. Up-size your flies and try using nymph patterns that have hot colored beads or cone heads to draw a strike. Flashy streamers like Telleen's Polar Minnow or Kraft's Kreelex will also induce strikes from fish in off-colored water.

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Tungsten and lead are your best friends. You'll need to get your flies down quickly in the water column, and just that small difference in the weight of your flies can make a huge difference in your success. I also don't like adding split shot to nymph rigs because I feel it impedes strike detection and your ability cast effectively.

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Don't let all this rain deter you from enjoying what is arguably the best time of year to fly fish. We have all the gear to help you get dialed for your next outing, so come on in and see us!

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