Ask Andy-Runs Into Pools and Spin Guys

Andy

What’s the best way to fish a run that empties into a deeper pool?

I watch utube videos were spin fisherman just hammer the trout in these holes. As a fly fisherman should I expect 

the same results using streamers?

Thanks,

John

John

As always, different anglers will approach situations differently. It is the beauty of stalking trout with a fly. In fact I would wager that there is no best way to approach fishing runs leading into large pools only different ways on different days under different conditions. I think you get my drift.  For my money run-pool stream configurations generally hold large populations of trout of all sizes. With a few suckers thrown in you have some of the most productive water on any given stream. However, these areas also tend to be the prime fishing locations and get the most pressure from anglers. Consequently, the fish that live in these complexes will usually be a bit flakey and have the ability sense your presence if you are reckless in angling attempts or will “turn off” after one or two fish are hooked and played carelessly. Remember, they have seen you, or someone who looks like you many times before. I believe they know the drill and will cease actively feeding if they sense danger.

Now, variables, consider the many variables. Are the fish hungry? Have the fish fed all night and are fat and tired. Do they need to digest/poop? Are the water temps reasonable for their activity? Is it sunny, overcast? Is there competition over food?  How proficient was the angler who fished before you? The list goes on and on and I just wanted to make you aware that the answer to your first question may be more complicated than you think.

When I find a location as you have described, I may approach it differently each outing until I am intimately familiar with its character. I try to read every current and know the location of every rock. If nymphing, I need to know approximate depths locate inside and outside edges. I will find the current seams and back eddies. I will know exactly where the transition zone from deep to shallow is and where the head and tail of the complex are.  For throwing dries, I want to know where I have to stand to outsmart the currents and allow my fly to drift drag free.  I look for my casting lanes and how long a cast I will actually need to make.

Observation will allow you to pick the best method/technique to be most successful at catching. Approaching from top to bottom or bottom to top will be gauged after the angler observes what he/she can. These observations will make the most sense after you have repeatedly fished these complexes and learned their nuances. Watching other anglers can also be very helpful.

Finally, complexes like you have described will have many, many locations where fish can feed or rest or play or whatever. The most direct answer I can give you is I tend fish these places one by one. Foot buy foot, literally. All of the locations  have the ability to provide you, the angler, with the chance to catch a fish.  Wide ranging, long casting scattergun approach may provide some success but a focused look will lead to more fish and a better understanding of their habits and the world they live in.

As for your second question I rarely watch the utube when it comes to fishing. Sometimes I watch or  maybe .

Streamer fishing can be the most active, aggressive and fun method of fly fishing. Somedays the spin guys will easily out-fish the fly guys, sometimes it will be the other way around. Sometimes the worm guys get the trophy. I cannot tell you which days those will be. I may suggest if you are throwing the fly, to leave your expectations at the truck and just enjoy your time in the woods and on the water.

Thanks for the question John.