Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - may2008 - Index

Area 1
Area 2
Area 3
Area 3 — This type of water
consists of slower moving
currents, waist to neck deep,
downstream from runs and bars.
This is typically the slowest fishing
of the three water types, and
while it’s often my last resort, it
does consistently yield fish. Due
to the increased depth of Area 3
water, you’ll need to extend the
height of your strike indicator.
From underwater observation,
I most commonly see fish holding
at two different levels when
feeding in chest-deep water. The
majority of fish are holding six
to 18 inches off the bottom,
looking to feed on-plane or
higher in the water column. A
second line of fish hover midway
between the ceiling and
the floor, actively feeding both
above and below plane.
The idea here is to cover the
majority of the water column.
It’s a numbers game and by
moving to a three-fly rig spanning
three plus feet you’ll run
your flies past 80% of the feeding
fish.
Approach this deeper water
with a quartering upstream cast,
being sure to mend your line immediately.
The mend is critical
here, because the flies need to
sink further to reach the mouths
of hungry trout. A bad drift is
amplified by the amount of time
a fish has to look at your fly, so
it’s absolutely critical to get it
all right. Area 3-type fishing
is slower because of the slower
flow, but the strikes can be
downright violent. The angler
needs to stay focused and not
let his mind (or eyes) wander
from the indicator. Compared
to shallow-water situations, Area
3 fish have to make lightning
quick decisions on whether or
not to take your presentation.
Be ready to set at the slightest
twitch of your indicator, as
these fish can suck in and spit
out your fly in a blink of an eye,
barely moving the yarn at all.
Aaron Otto is a freelance writer
and photographer from Phoenix,
Arizona. This is Aaron’s first
contribution to Fly Fish America.
PHOTOS, FROM TOP: AARON OTTO, DENVERBRYAN.COM, AARON OTTO