Spring fly fishing means dealing with high water, and reduced visibility due to turbulence. Trout rest near the river bottom waiting to strike, are they are always looking skyward for prey. Although trout can be nervous and pretty fussy about the speed and depth of their food as it drifts by, spring conditions mean they are less sensitive to the unnatural movements of a fly or the presence of the fisherman’s waders nearby. It’s impossible to imitate a nymph exactly, but the right fly pattern and technique can seduce them to strike.
There are a couple of options with high water fly fishing, one is to use a strike indicator which can replicate the natural bob of a nymph. Most insects drift at the mercy of the current; the gentle tug of the strike indicator as it catches in the current will imitate a real nymph as it wiggles occasionally to move itself up in the water column. The best bet in a nymph presentation is to keep it in the the trout’s view for as long as possible without crossing currents... this sets a stealthy speed and imitates the insect’s natural movement, so it won’t arouse suspicion.
Another fishing technique idea is short line nymphing. The turbulence and low visibility in spring rivers means the fisherman’s presence nearby won’t make the trout nervous. Instead of the normal 30 foot cast, a short line is a cast of only about 12 feet beyond the rod tip, with no strike indicator. The fly fisherman has better control of the fly at this short distance, and it can stay down more easily with less floating line to drag it to the surface. Pay attention to movement at the end of the fly and butt of the leader for strikes.
Instead of matching the hatch the fly should be bushier, making it easier for the trout to see. One good example is the Hare’s Ear, possibly with a gold bead for extra weight and flash. They can be made with different colours to match the naturals, and the size will give a good silhouette against the bright background of the sky.
The months of May, June and early July are high season for trout fly fishing on the Columbia River, as well as on the Harrison, Pitt and Fraser Rivers. The Kamloops area is also strong at this time of year. Heading out with one of Holy Waters BC Fly Fishing Guides is a good way to ensure a productive weekend.
Holy Waters has taken the time to visit each location, stay at every accommodation and fish with every guide. You can be assured that you will be fishing with a professional that knows the waters, knows the hatches, knows the techniques and will take care of you as you deserve to be taken care of Holy Waters was conceived to eliminate the guesswork when planning a fly fishing adventure in British Columbia.
Check out more details at http://www.guidesforflyfishing.com or email us at
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