Tag: Learn to Fish Rivers & Streams

“Well… I suppose we can try to head upstream, but it’s going to be one heck of a workout…”

You mumble to yourself, trying to convince the rational part of your brain to go along with what is clearly a bad idea.

“It’s not flowing that fast…”

You lie. Again.

Slowly. Deliberately. Painfully. You enter the cold rushing water and begin pulling your kayak upstream. Paddling just isn’t an option, which is a shame – because the water level is currently about 3 feet higher than normal, which would make it easy to cover ground quickly and avoid the shallow riffles you would walk on a normal day – but with the current moving at this speed, there is no way you’ll be able to keep up.

If you catch any fish today… you will have earned them!

Why Check the Water Level before Fishing a Creek?

The situation above is not hypothetical. Recently I went out to fish a creek that has been blessing me with smallmouth bass all season, only to find that the late October rain we had received here in Northern Illinois had caused the water level to rise significantly. This in turn increased the overall current, which completely washed out the shoreline on both sides and pushed all of the giant log piles and cover down to the bridge.

Areas that were previously cluttered with logs and difficult to pass were now clean, but again, the current made traveling upstream both impossible – and dangerous. I made it about a mile up the creek, but when I entered an area known to have very large jagged boulders along both sides – now covered in low-grade rapids – I had to admit defeat and turn back.

When I return, we’re going to be fishing a clean slate.

Literally.

This waste of time could have been prevented. I should have done my homework before leaving for the day, only to waste some of the very limited “free time” available for fishing.

What steps would have avoided this?

1. Check the Current River Level & Streamflow Conditions in Illinois

The first thing you will want to do is start to get acquainted with the United States Geological Survey. The water section of their website can be found here:

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/rt

At the time of writing, after you open the link you can click into your state and start to drill down into the available water data.

I find it useful to click on one of the dots on my state to view both the discharge in cubic feet per second, and the current gage level (height) at one of the closest rivers.

Try to find and monitor a gage or discharge location that is upstream from where you plan to fish!

If you look at this default view, you can see that the day I was “flooded out” – October 27th – seems to be a high-water day, but not unreasonable…

… not unreasonable, until you take a look at a longer period of time. Look how this relates to earlier in the month when the water was low and calm. Select a start and end date beyond the immediate and click “Go” to do the same. The day I went fishing is marked for reference:

It’s pretty obvious why I ran into trouble, and I should have known things would be bad when I noticed all the flooded yards on my way to the creek.

2. Check the Recent Rainfall in Northern Illinois

Another extremely useful tool I found on the USGS website displays the Illinois Cumulative Rainfall Map with National Weather Service Radar Overlay. I’ll be honest – I have no idea how I found this tool – so I’ll just provide the direct link here:

https://il.water.usgs.gov/gmaps/precip/

This tool will show you active water gages and a table off to the right where you can look at recent rainfall in Illinois. Take a look and see if the recent rainfall corresponds with the discharge and height gage mentioned above.

You can also take a look at https://www.weather.gov/ for more info. Click on your state, then select Rivers and Lakes from the available options.

(It’s pretty hard to find actually, so here is a visual.)

This will give you additional flood and gage information.

3. Check Personal Weather Stations

Finally, look for even closer, localized water information by visiting a site like Ambient Weather. This site will allow you to view personal weather stations – but take it with a grain of salt, because there is no guarantee that all sensors are working properly.

Grab Some Tools & Be Safe Out There!

Let’s be honest. Most of us are checking the weather information to see if we will be able to access certain fishing areas – but keep safety in mind as well. Had I been in unfamiliar territory last week when I went out and the water was extremely high, injury (or worse) would have been very likely.

It’s just not worth it.

Check the sites listed here to make sure you stay safe and avoid wasting limited fishing time.

Grab an inexpensive tool to monitor Barometric Pressure in your area as well. Pressure readings have been said to correspond to likely rainfall and incoming weather, as well as fish activity – but that topic is beyond the scope of this article. I keep this hanging on my wall in the garage:

Up Next:

Before you go, make sure to grab a few of these extremely effective creek and river baits so you can catch more fish, and if you’d like to learn how to fish rivers & streams I have put together a guide on that topic.

Be safe and tight lines!

PREVIOUS SECTION: Creek Fishing Adventures

NEXT SECTION: The Most Important Tip for More Fall Bass

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

Over the past two weeks we’ve pulled together a plethora of information to explain the makeup of rivers & streams; how they change, how fish in these systems position themselves, where the food comes from – and all of this came from the note-gathering process as we prepare to explore new streams and rivers this coming year.

As those exploration videos are posted, we’ll be able to see what holds true, and today we’re going to discuss the Top 5 Baits for Streams and Rivers based on the information we’ve gathered so far.

What fish are you hunting?

It would be impossible to select 5 baits that would always be the top 5 options in every situation for every species of fish. Different fish respond to different presentations based on the local forage, weather conditions, even the time of year.

We also explained how different species of fish express a different level of tolerance when it comes to current and water temperature. Check back to Section 2: What is Current in a Body of Water for a refresher, and take another peek at Section 5: Preferred Temperature Ranges of Warmwater Gamefish for a table that shows where your target species will likely hang out.

I’ll be looking for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and aggressive panfish.

Keep it Simple

The last thing we want to do is take way too much stuff with us. That can cause us to overthink, and if the stuff is heavy it can lead to early exhaustion as we hike upstream. We’re going to do whatever we can to keep things minimal and as light and straightforward as possible.

A quick note on live bait: live bait is always, always, always an option. Red wigglers on a split-shot rig, minnows under a bobber, crayfish on the bottom – but this list assumes we are focused on exploring new areas, and that means we want to focus on the exploration portion, not keeping live bait… well… alive.

1. A Small Searchbait

The first thing we will want to do is cover as much water as possible. As much as I love throwing jig worms and wacky rigs, those finesse presentations are best suited for slowly working an area over after you have found some fish and picked off the aggressive biters.

Start with a small to mid-size crankbait if you are fishing an stream or river that is not loaded with timber.

This Rebel 4-Pack is a great option for most of us, and it even includes a topwater popper if you feel like testing the upper edge. These smaller-sized baits will appeal to a wide range of gamefish, and imitate bugs, crayfish & minnows.

2. A Larger Searchbait

If timber and weeds are a concern, look to a searchbait that is much more weedless. One of my absolute favorites is the Strike King Tour Grade Swim Jig. This bait can be paired with all sorts of trailers, comes in multiple weights and sizes, and it is an effective way to work many depths in the water column quickly to help you find active biters.

If you have more confidence in a spinnerbait – go for it. I use spinnerbaits in many of the same areas that I would throw a swim jig if it’s overcast, or if I’m looking for a bit more flash or a faster vibration.

3. A Mid-Size Stickbait

Stickbaits are extremely versatile, and Senko has become a household name – for good reason. I like to use a slightly smaller 4″ or 5″ Strike King Ocho in my area (because of local forage). There are many colors to choose from. A good rule of thumb if you’re not sure what color to use is to select one that is close to the color of the bottom.

I like to pair these with VMC Weedless Wacky Hooks.

This is a good way to work over a likely spot, or to slow down after you have found fish with one of your faster moving searchbaits. If you rig your stickbait weightless you can slow-sink it right in the face of a hesitant fish, or cast upstream so the current brings the bait tumbling back like a minnow in distress.

4. A Ned Rig Combo

Smaller jigs account for a lot of fish in streams and rivers. If the stickbait doesn’t work, tie on something that will allow you to make contact with the bottom. Ned Rig jigheads come in many different styles and sizes – select one that will help you touch the bottom, and pair it with one of the many Elaztech trailers out there.

Popular options include the Z-Man TRD or the Z-Man Hula StickZ, and both can be used to imitate smaller forage like baitfish or insects rooting around for food on the bottom.

They get bit. Period.

5. Test The Nikko Hellgramite

One of the YouTube channels that I have been enjoying this winter is Creek Fishing Adventures (this actually played a large role in my increased desire to explore some new creeks and rivers). One of John’s favorite baits is the Nikko Hellgrammite – and many, many fish are taken on this lure. It can be rigged on a jig, weightless Texas style, on a Carolina rig – you name it.

While this is similar to the presentation above, it deserves to be mentioned and tested – because there is a chance that this bait will “match the hatch” better than a simple jig-worm.

Try it out!

Moving Forward

These recommendations are what I’ll be using while I search for new fish in new locations this year. Again, live bait is always an option – but personally, when it comes time to explore I want to be able to focus 100% on that aspect of my trip, and pay very close attention to my surroundings – not be worried about my bait getting too hot and dying.

If you have any suggestions or adjustments, feel free to share.

Time to fish – tight lines!

PREVIOUS SECTION: International Scale of River Difficulty

NEXT SECTION: Creek Fishing Adventures

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

Before you load up the ‘ol kayak and attack a river – make sure you do some research to see if you can find information explaining the level of difficulty of its rapids. In an effort to standardize the terminology surrounding rapids, The International Scale of River Difficulty was developed.

Keep in mind that the water stage (whether the water is high and fast or low and slow) may have an impact on the difficulty level. For instance, high water can turn Class 2 rapids into Class 3 – or even 4 in some circumstances. If you have any hesitation or uneasy feelings about a section of river or certain rapids, do what you can to scout ahead from shore before attempting to make a run.

The Six Grades of White-Water Difficulty:

Remember: no matter what class of rapid you plan to traverse, a personal flotation device like a lifejacket is absolutely critical – do not leave home without one!

The following images can be found in: The Freshwater Angler™: Fishing Rivers & Streams

Class 1: Easy rapids with small standing waves and few obstructions. Under high water conditions they may disappear completely.

Class 2: Standing waves that may reach a height of 3 feet. Some maneuvering is required for safe passage. As a general rule of thumb – anglers in small fishing boats should avoid any rapids greater than Class 2.

Class 3: High, standing waves are capable of swamping an open canoe or small boat. Extensive maneuvering may be required to follow narrow chutes between boulders or turbulent areas.

Class 4: High, irregular standing waves along with constricted passages and blind drops require a rubber raft, decked canoe, kayak, a maneuverable deep-sided boat or jet boat.

Class 5: Hazardous to life because of long, violent rapids and steep drops or falls, which may require a complex route to navigate. These rapids are runnable only by experts with a raft or fully decked boat.

Class 6: The same hazards that are present in Class 5 rapids, but more severe. Even whitewater experts consider Class 6 rapids nearly impossible to navigate. These torrents pose a great risk to life.

Moving Forward

This summer, I will not be taking my jon boat out to try to navigate any rapids. We might do a bit of kayaking, but the goal will be to hike and explore as many winding streams as possible. Still… this is very important knowledge to have, even if it is just put into play from a research perspective.

It’s cold outside as I write this… but soon… we fish… tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: Top 5 Baits for Streams & Rivers
PREVIOUS SECTION: River Hazards

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

Any river you fish can have hazards that you would be wise to look out for. On every body of water there are certain things we need to be mindful of, or avoid – rivers of course have the added element of moving water. Current is no joke, and all sorts of goodies can be carried along into areas that were previously clear of obstructions.

A Quick Note on Safety

Before we talk about any hazards – allow me to take a moment to suggest you get some sort of personal flotation device. Life jackets are very important (especially if you are alone) so let’s start there. If you are in a boat there are some other safety items you’ll want to grab: extra rope, possibly other flotation devices like cushions, maybe some sort of flare gun, lights… but for now – let’s just start with a nice PFD:

Submerged Deadheads

One of the most common (and dangerous) river hazards is a submerged deadhead. These water-soaked logs can float just beneath the surface, or poke out just a bit. If you hit a deadhead at a high speed, you will damage your boat, rip off your lower unit – you could even capsize.

Deadheads are most common when the water is rising. As the river swells up, logs and other objects are lifted away from the shoreline and the current can carry them downstream. Under higher-water conditions, boaters should be careful, reduce their speed and watch the water ahead for any sort of surface disturbance.

Wing Dams

Submerged wing dams are bad news for boaters that are brave enough to venture out of the main channel. Wing dams are usually made up of chunk rock (think boulders, busted concrete, rip-rap…), and the rocky structures can live just a foot or so below the surface. This makes them just about perfect for propeller or lower unit damage.

To spot wing dams, look for lines of ripples that extend out from the shore at a right angle to the direction of the current or flow.

Barges

Barges are just like trains in the fact that they can’t come to a complete stop quickly. Fortunately for us… they’re not hard to see.

Always be on the lookout for the wake of a barge or other large vessels, like houseboats, cruisers, etc. Instead of crashing through the wake in a small boat, slow down and ride it out like a bobber. If you hit a large wake at high speed, the bow could dip into the water. Pay attention to your surroundings when fishing – especially on windy days when these larger boats can creep up on you without the sound of their motors reaching your ears before it’s too late.

When crossing paths with a barge or a much larger ship, circle behind or wait for it to pass. There is always a chance that if you cross in front of the barge your motor could stall, and the large vessel will not be able to stop – or… they might not even see you. There’s no swimming away from one of these… be careful.

Dams

This one is simple – stay back. Boaters that approach a dam run the risk of getting sucked into the heavy current, especially if the water is high. Strong eddies below the dam create turbulence that can trap a boat or suck it under completely.

Stay away from the fast moving water below dams.

Proper Anchoring

Anchoring in fast current is not the best idea. That said, if you must anchor, attach your rope to the bow eye up front:

Do not attach your rope to the gunwale (side) or stern (back) of the boat:

If you anchor sideways, the current could flip your boat. If you anchor from the stern, the current could push water up and over the transom.

Lock-Through Procedures

If you have locks that are able passable on your river, you may want to keep these tips in mind.

Start by looking for directions or instructions that are posted for boaters before you enter a lock. Check them – then, while approaching a lock, look for a pull rope about 1,000 feet from the lockmaster. The rope typically rings a bell that lets them know you would like to lock through.

Usually a red signal light will flash when the lock is being prepared for entry. This light should turn green when they are ready for you to move ahead. Proceed to slowly motor into the lock.

When you are inside the lock, the gate will close and the water will rise or fall, depending on which direction you are heading. There may be ropes (one may be tossed to you) or some other method to hold your boat in place and avoid drifting – but do not tie anything to your boat! When the water drops the rope could tighten, keeping you in place and causing damage to you or the vessel – or flipping you over.

When they are ready for you to leave, the red signal should again turn green, meaning you can slowly motor or paddle out.

Moving Forward

As you can see, it’s very important to be mindful and pay attention when you are on the water. Many of these rules and hazards apply to lakes as well – but in rivers the addition of a current makes things a bit more complex. Next, we’ll talk a bit more about the International Scale of River Difficulty – a rating system that tells us how easy or difficult a stretch of rapids will be to navigate.

Keep ‘yer wits about you. Tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: The International Scale of River Difficulty
PREVIOUS SECTION: The Rules of River Navigation

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

If you drive, you are probably (hopefully?) familiar with the “rules of the road”. But how many of us are familiar with the rules of the river, lake or stream?

Ever had someone pass you too close in a faster boat? Ever have someone throw a huge wake in your direction while you were anchored up fishing?

Rude.

Let’s make sure we’re not “that guy”… What is the process for passing other boats? How do I pass through a lock? What do all of the buoys, signs and signals mean? What hazards should I watch out for?

If you are unfamiliar with these rules, then this article is as much for you as it is for me. I need to learn more on this topic, and I’m referencing Dick Sternberg’s book: The Freshwater Angler™: Fishing Rivers & Streams again for this section.

Boating Rules for Rivers & Streams

When you are approaching another boat head-on, steer to the right (as if you were on an actual road) to pass each other and avoid a collision. However, if your boats are far enough away from each other on the left, there is no need to alter your course.

When another boat moving the same direction as you attempts to pass you, make sure that you maintain the same direction and speed. If you are the one that is attempting to pass another boat moving in the same direction, make sure you put enough distance between your two vessels so that your wake does not endanger them.

If two boats approach each other at a right angle, the boat on the right has the right-of-way (similar to a stop sign). Canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats have the right-of-way over motorized boats. Make sure to pay attention and give these smaller boats enough space.

When crossing paths with a barge or a much larger ship, circle behind or wait for it to pass. There is always a chance that if you cross in front of the barge your motor could stall, and the large vessel will not be able to stop – or… they might not even see you. There’s no swimming away from one of these… be careful.

Always yield right-of-way to any emergency craft displaying red or blue flashing lights.

What Buoys & Markers Mean

Channel Markers: usually large, red, or green – channel markers are used to designate the edges of the channel. When you are heading upstream you will see red on the right, and green on the left. An easy way to remember this is with The Three Rs: Red-Right-Return.

Mooring Buoys: usually white with a blue line in the center when the buoy is upright. Mooring buoys are often used by larger vessels.

Mile Markers: these can be found along the navigation channel of major rivers. An example of these would be the mile markers present on the Mississippi River, which give the distance in miles above the mouth of the Ohio River.

A buoy with a vertical line means you should not pass this area on the side closest to shore.

A buoy with a red or orange diamond means there is a hazard nearby, like a large boulder.

A buoy with a red or orange circle means this is a restricted area, like a no-wake zone.

A buoy with a red or orange square gives boating information or directions.

Moving Forward

Now that we know a bit more about how to operate our boat, how to interact with other boats, and what some of the most common signs and markers mean, we’ll take a look into other hazards on the river, and also how to interact with certain locks that are passable (with lock-through procedures).

Safety first, eh? Tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: Hazards & Locks
PREVIOUS SECTION: Threats to Stream Habitat

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

Fishermen care about the environment. The same could be said for hunters and many outdoor enthusiasts. We all appreciate and understand that we need to take care of the animals we chase and the environments in which they live. This is contrary to what many “activists” would have you believe… but it’s true. The best way to convince others that we are a source of good is to expand and share our own personal knowledge of the things that have an impact on the outdoors.

First, let’s be honest: man’s activities have destroyed a large amount of fish habitat in rivers & streams. Water that passes through cities or agricultural areas face the worst problems. We hear the most about pollution in the press, but sometimes other less startling problems can create more havoc for the fish.

Bank Erosion

One issue is bank erosion. Bank erosion is something that we are all aware of (if you’ve ever been on a large natural lake you’ve probably come across “no wake” zones), but this is also one of the most difficult problems to solve. Near streams, many farmers allow livestock to graze right to the edge of the water, which can remove the vegetation that stabilizes the bank during a flood.

If the protective vegetation is removed, the banks will actually crumble during high water, which will cause mud to cover or blanket the rock and gravel below. This change can lead to the stream holding fewer gamefish. Why? Remember when we were discussing Cover & Current Breaks [Part 1], we pointed out that small rock holds baitfish and other forage:

“… it’s natural that fish living in current would seek out anything that might prevent them from being swept away. The moment they hatch new fry are small, weak swimmers – and food for larger predators – but fortunately, they can find cover and concealment behind pebbles and gravel… to start.”

No baitfish means no gamefish, and streams with severely eroded banks typically don’t hold great populations of the latter.

Streams can be fenced off near farmland to prevent this to an extent, but sometimes that is a tall order and not fair to ask of the farmers. Not to mention this isn’t a practical solution for larger streams… and even on smaller ones fences can be damaged by flooding or the same livestock they are supposed to ward off. This means they require frequent maintenance (which again is not fair to the farmer that has more than enough work to do already).

Channelization

Another threat to be mindful of is channelization, which is the straightening of stream and river channels. This is done to reduce flooding, because a straight channel can funnel off water much faster than a meandering one. However this can have a very negative impact on the fish population, and in one Missouri study tracking the channelization of the Chariton River, a section that had been channelized produced 83 percent fewer pounds of fish per acre than another section of the river that was untouched.

Channelization can also worsen flooding downstream, which harms the fish population there as well. Overall channelization reduces the total length of the stream (because there are no winding bends) and much of the cover, spawning areas and food sources are destroyed.

Dewatering

Dewatering is the pumping of stream or river water to irrigation systems to help maintain fertile farmland during drought years. The advantage of course is fertile farmland… the disadvantage is that it reduces already low water levels in rivers and streams. This can reduce streamflow by 90 percent or more – in some cases streams have even been pumped dry.

This change forces fish into deep holes where food may be very scarce. Slower water also heats up faster, which can stress or kill the fish.

Dredging

On large rivers like the Mississippi, a minimum depth of 9 feet must be maintained to allow barge traffic to freely pass through. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredges the river – which means they clean the bed of weeds, muck and rubbish using some sort of scoop or suction. This sounds good, but in reality the dredge spoil is made up of about 90 percent water, and when it is deposited on the river bank it doesn’t pile neatly – much of the spoil runs back to the river or nearby waterways.

This spoil can ruin prime areas for both fish and wildlife.

Pollution & Sewage

These days, there are much stricter rules and laws regarding pollution and sewage. Poorly treated municipal sewage and waste from feedlots can still be a problem though. This waster actually increases the fertility of the stream, which results in large algae blooms that consume dissolved oxygen and cause periodic fish kills.

Algae blooms are a common thing here in Illinois – especially as the weather gets warmer and warmer on the smaller lakes that we fish on a regular basis. However, the algae never gets so thick that it kills off the largemouth bass we’re hunting… who will actually use these thick mats for cover at times.

Herbicide runoff can also cause fish kills. If the chemicals are applied right before a heavy rain, they may actually wash into nearby streams or rivers. This can kill fish and invertebrate life as well.

Moving Forward

We need to take care of our hunting & fishing areas so that we can pass down a clean, amazing earth to our children and grandchildren. However, we need to work with farmers and the Army Corps of Engineers – these people are not “the bad guys” by any means, and there are reasons that they do what they do.

By understanding the dangers to our fisheries, we can continue to work towards compromises and improvements that benefit everyone.

Next, we’ll touch on river navigation. Fun fact: it is currently -6 degrees with about 3 feet of snow piled up outside. Everything is frozen… Lord help me, I can’t wait for spring.

If you’re able to fish today – go do it right now – tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: The Rules of River Navigation
PREVIOUS SECTION: Fluctuating Water Levels

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

Within just a few hours of a heavy rain, water levels in a stream can rise as much as 10 feet, the current speed may triple, and water that is normally clear can turn a nice, appetizing chocolate brown! Of course, this depends on the size of the stream, and some other factors – but the moral of the story is that water levels are going to fluctuate.

Physical changes of this magnitude can make life difficult for fishermen – and fish. Fish will take up different positions during high water to avoid the fast, muddy water.

As water rises, fish tend to move shallower. The shallowest water available is usually near the advancing waterline, right against the bank. It can be a bit more clear, and baitfish and insects will be here as well – not midstream.

At the first sign of the water dropping back down, fish will move to steep banks and drop-offs, or deep holes. All kinds of fish – including baitfish – move out of the shallows. This is because fish possess an acute sense for changing water levels in their environment. If they did not, many would be trapped in small pools or puddles as the water recedes.

Good stream fishermen understand this behavior and pay close attention to water levels so they know where to look for fish. This can be done using water gauges on bridges or dams, by looking at in-stream objects like logs and boulders, or using a tool like the Deeper Pro+ Sonar, which is a castable depth finder we have talked about many times.

Pay close attention to the clarity of the water following a heavy rain. Large clouds of mud rolling downstream usually mean bad fishing because the fish can’t see your presentation. Again, if you are going to try to fish these conditions, work close to the bank where the water can potentially be a bit clearer. You can also move upstream if muddy water is flowing into your fishing area from a tributary, as seen below.

Some fishermen believe that rain washes all sorts of insects off the shoreline, temporarily changing the feeding behavior of the fish. Keep this in mind when you are selecting your presentation. A spinnerbait could be effective, or some sort of swim jig with a large trailer that brings with it a lot of thump and vibration to the table (I would opt for a darker color in muddy water, maybe with some chartreuse). If the water isn’t too fast and there is some visibility you could tie on a smaller crankbait to match anything that is getting washed off the shore, like the Rebel Tiny Crank Collection:

When the water starts to clear up, fishing will improve because the fish will start to feed heavily. The speed at which these streams clear up depends greatly on the size of the drainage area. The larger the drainage area, the longer it takes. In fact, smaller streams fed primarily by springflow can cloud up much less and be a great choice when larger streams and rivers are too muddy to fish. The springflow can also maintain the water lever if there is a drought, making them more consistent throughout the entire year.

Moving Forward

Now that we know more about fluctuating water levels in streams and rivers, we can adjust out location and presentation accordingly. We mentioned early on that change in streams & rivers is constant which makes fishing challenging, even intimidating for many anglers – but if we’re going to explore these areas extensively this year – and yes, we are – then we need to absorb this knowledge and start off on the right foot.

Research is important but it’s time to put it into action!

It’s exciting and I can’t wait for the snow to melt… tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: Threats to Stream Habitat
PREVIOUS SECTION: How Streams Change

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

Have you ever returned to a river or stream – heck, even a lake – after say a long winter or a few seasons away, only to find that things are much different than you remember?

Mother Nature… she doesn’t sit still!

When it comes to running water, the cutting force of current keeps all streams in a constant state of flux. New sandbars are formed as sediment is carried along and deposited in new areas, new holes are cut by swirling current, erosion causes bends to move s-l-o-w-l-y downstream and as water washes against the bank the soil on the downstream bend is slowly washed away – the looser the soil and faster the current, the faster the movement.

Even waterfalls may move (pause and consider that for a second – natural forces in our world are incredible). When water spills over the falls, erosion at the base undercuts the crest which will eventually collapse. This causes the falls to creep upstream. If the crest of the falls erode at a pace faster than the base, they will eventually collapse or convert into a series of rapids.

Severe flooding may change the course of a stream altogether. Floodwaters may cut across a major bend, rather than flow around it. The bend (now separated from the stream) can become what is called an oxbow lake. These narrow, horseshoe shaped lakes may become completely separated from the main channel.

Floodwaters may also cut across bridges and roads. Several years back a local stream flooded right outside my neighborhood. These (awful cell phone) pictures show just how high this normally tiny stream was!

You’ll notice that the surrounding woodland in these photos is also completely flooded. It is not uncommon in situations like this for floods to carry logs, brush or other debris along, only to be hung up in narrow areas, creating logjams. Some logjams block so much of the flow that the stream is forced to make a new channel on one side or the other. Silt is also deposited where the new logjam is located (because the current is slowed in this area) and a new island may eventually be formed here as well.

Even beavers can cause major changes in a small, low-gradient stream. A large beaver dam can back up water for hundreds of yards, creating a fair sized lake. Then with the slower current, the silt can settle out, filling the streambed. This creates a wider, shallower area that warms more quickly, in some cases up to 10 degrees.

This change in temperature can be severe enough to have an impact on the species of fish that would use this stretch of the stream. (Check back to Preferred Temperature Ranges of Warmwater Gamefish for reference.)

If you are visiting an area regularly make sure to check the water temperature on a routine basis using tools like the Deeper Pro+ Sonar. This data can be logged automatically so you have a record. If you notice some major changes in the stream flow or path, check again and compare your data to see if you can understand why your favorite fish may have moved.

Streams with braided channels change the most. Their bottoms are constantly shifting, and even a minor flood can cut several new channels and fill in some old ones. Braided channels are most common in streams that flow over loose material. There are usually two or more channels that act independent of one another, often crossing upstream and downstream of islands.

High altitude photos allow channel changes to be seen easily. Below, the present channel is shown in blue, and the old channel is in red. This image comes from: The Freshwater Angler™: Fishing Rivers & Streams. The photo also shows many other channel changes that have occurred throughout the years.

Moving Forward

We now know a bit more about how streams can change. Next we will talk a bit more about how stream and river water levels fluctuate, along with some of the signs of that fluctuation. Remember that lake water can change too (depth, clarity, etc) – but the changes in rivers and streams are constant.

Don’t fight it – change is good. Tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: Fluctuating Water Levels
PREVIOUS SECTION: Food & Forage

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

Stream fish are opportunists.

If you’re like me and you want to catch more fish, and it’s a good idea for us to study the mouse instead of the owl. What are all of the different kinds of food that could be available to fish in a system? Remember… these are predators we’re talking about here!

Common Stream & River Forage

• Insects (Grasshoppers, Flies, Spiders)
• Insect Larvae
• Wind-Blown Morsels (?… use your imagination…)
• Aquatic Invertebrates
• Crustaceans
• Baitfish & Minnows

The Availability of Food Matters

On a windy day, species like smallmouth bass may feed heavily on grasshoppers and other insects blown into the stream or river. Fish can simply wait in the shallows along the bank and wait for wind-blown morsels to come along. But these same fish that live in the stream, can’t rely solely on food that comes from outside the stream. This would be too unpredictable (or even seasonal) to support a healthy fish population.

Therefore the stream itself must be able of producing ample food. (This is why our list above is a mix of both external and internal food sources – both are very important and will change throughout the season.)

How to Tell if a Stream Will Produce

Water fertility has a big impact when it comes to the amount of food and forage that a stream or river can produce. The more food, the more fish… and if there is adequate food and cover, the more large fish could potentially be present. Take a look at this picture from The Freshwater Angler™: Fishing Rivers & Streams. Just as in lakes, water with a high concentration of dissolved minerals will typically produce more pounds of fish per acre than water with a low level.

Fertile water contains an abundance of plankton (definition: the small and microscopic organisms drifting or floating in the sea or fresh water, consisting chiefly of diatoms, protozoans, small crustaceans, and the eggs and larval stages of larger animals) and this is the most basic link in the aquatic food chain. Young gamefish feed directly on plankton; older ones on insects and other organisms that eat the plankton.

Smaller creatures are a staple on the menu, and when it comes to imitating smaller creatures in a fertile stream, Rebel has produced some of the most iconic, recognizable options for years – especially when it comes to downsized versions:

Later this year we will be doing a Rebel Rundown where we go through and test a good handful of their most popular lures – so make sure to sign up for alerts on our YouTube channel to you get notifications when those tests are released!

Where to Look for Forage

If you’d like to learn more about the forage in your stream or river, then it’s time to get your hands a little dirty! The bottom of rocks, gravel – or better yet a mixture of the two – make a great habitat for aquatic invertebrates and minnows alike. These creatures can quickly and easily find cover under the rocks or in the spaces between them – even in the gravel itself.

When the bottom silts over or sediment is carried in with the current and settles, the spaces between rocks and gravel disappear. The food disappears with them. No cover… no food.

A firm muck bottom will produce some food, like the larvae of burrowing insects, such as mayflies. (Many avid smallmouth and walleye fishermen up north are all too familiar with “mayfly hatches”.) However, a clean, sandy bottom produces practically no food. The sand will shift with the current, and provide little cover for invertebrates or anything else.

A steady flow is the final ingredient. If a stream is too shallow, the gravel beds may dry up during periods of low water, or they may freeze completely resulting in a winter kill… ending life for any and all organisms in the area. When the water comes back, the stream looks normal… but the food is gone, and the fish will follow.

Streams of this type typically do not support a healthy population of gamefish.

Moving Foward

Take some time to explore the bodies of water that you plan to fish. Look for forage and see if you can figure out what kind of food is available. This will help you select a presentation that will work well, and it is also a critical step when it comes to fishing with kids so they don’t have a horrible time!

Learning more about your local bodies of water is always time well spent. Tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: How Streams Change
PREVIOUS SECTION: Changing Temperatures in Rivers & Streams

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

The only constant in life… is change.

Yesterday, we took a look at some of the different water temperatures that fish prefer (with a focus on warmwater species). Today, we’re going to look at a range of elements that can have an impact on the temperature in a river or stream.

What’s a Good Way to Check the Water Temperature?

One tool that I keep with me whether I’m on foot fishing from the bank, or in a small boat, is my Deeper Pro+ Sonar. This is my preferred model because it allows me to check the temperature close to where I’m standing or on the opposite shore (if a cast can reach that far). It allows me to create and store my own topographic maps, it’s GPS enabled and syncs up with my phone to provide a depth finder & info on bottom composition:

What Causes Stream Water Temperature Changes?

Understanding what causes the temperature to change in rivers and streams can have a big impact on your fishing success. Take into consideration the time of year: in early spring for example, fish will typically be looking for areas with warmer water, but in midsummer, cooler water can be key. If you have the tools and the know-how to find pockets of cooler and warmer water, you can enjoy some spectacular fishing year round. Even a difference of just a few degrees can have a big impact on fish location.

The following pictures come from a book that my grandfather gave me a few years back titled The Freshwater Angler™: Fishing Rivers & Streams, but before we jump into that let’s quickly discuss temperature differences in the pool-riffle-run configuration we first explained while discussing current.

Fast-flowing water is completely churned and has less time to absorb sunlight. This means it will retain a cooler temperature longer, especially if the section in question is shaded from the sun. (Think riffles and certain faster-moving runs.)

Slow-moving water may also remain churned (remember river and streams do not normally stratify like a lake does), but slow-moving water has a longer time to soak up sunlight and heat. In especially slow-moving sections of a stream with no shade cover, the water can warm rapidly. (Think slower-moving runs and pools.)

This is why spring-fed tributaries are so important. These – along with other incoming sources of cooler water – are what allow streams to stay cool enough to maintain healthy populations of northern pike, walleye, or any fish that prefer (and thrives in) cooler temperatures. Without these, streams could only maintain a population of fish that could tolerate very high water temperatures – like largemouth bass, catfish or redbreast sunfish.

*Note: Some streams located in the north or in higher altitudes are not as susceptible to this because their summertime water temperatures remain moderate.

Key Areas to Look For

Moving Forward

Now that we understand what species of fish prefer what water temperatures, and the factors that can help determine that temperature in a stretch of river or stream, let’s look at some common food and forage options that these fish will be keyed in on. This will help when it comes time to select the right baits and presentations as we explore new streams this year.

Tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: Food & Forage
PREVIOUS SECTION: Preferred Temperature Ranges of Warmwater Gamefish

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

Different species of fish prefer different water temperatures. The fish you have access to in your local stream or river will depend on the temperature and cover – and even though many warmwater fish can survive over a wider range of temperatures than coldwater fish, there are still ideal conditions for the species you are hunting.

How can I quickly & accurately test water temps?

Testing the water temperature when you’re fishing is a good idea in general, and one of the tools that I usually take with me is a Deeper Pro+ Sonar. There are multiple models available at different price points.

The added benefit is that you can tie this unit to your fishing line and cast it to inspect the opposite shoreline, deep holes or underwater structure. (Personally, I use mine to create useful topographic maps when I am fishing from the jon boat, and occasionally when fishing from shore. The maps are great for reviewing after I get back from a trip to learn even more about the area.)

Preference by Species

Most anglers know that trout need cold water, and largemouth bass prefer warmer water, but what they don’t realize is that there are considerable differences in preference even among warmwater fish. The chart below shows the preferred temperature ranges of common warmwater species – notice that the range covered is more than 30 degrees.

Even though many warmwater fish CAN survive over a wider range of of temperatures than coldwater fish, there is still an ideal temperature range required for every species to thrive. For example, a warmwater fish could survive in a trout stream, but the water temps would be too low for optimal feeding and growth, making it difficult to compete with the trout or grow to the size we’d like to catch.

The temperature of a stream depends mainly on it’s primary source of water. To support a diverse population of fish, additional springflow is usually necessary. Springflow helps the water stay cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter (preventing freezing, and allowing fish to feed throughout winter instead of going dormant).

Other factors like shade, the course of the stream, the shape of the channel and the gradient of the streambed all impact the temperature as well. Different sections of the same stream can be different temperatures. For example, a shaded stream can run 5 to 10 degrees cooler than a similar stream in direct sunlight. A shaded run can also be several degrees cooler than an unshaded run in the same stream.

Water in narrow, deep channels tends to stay cooler than water in wide, shallow channels because less of the water comes into contact with the air.

Some streams or rivers also contain lakes along their course. Some are natural, others are the result of a dam. In either case, the stream temperature below a lake will be several degrees warmer than the stream temperature above the lake (unless the lake has a coldwater draw, which we will talk about in the next section in this series). The lake water may also stratify into different layers, however this does not happen in streams or rivers – the water stays turbulent and completely mixed – which means the surface temperature is darn close to the temperature right above the streambed (unless the water is very deep).

Water Temperature by Species Chart

Information provided courtesy of: The Freshwater Angler™: Fishing Rivers & Streams.

Moving Forward

Now that we know what species typically prefer what water temperatures, we’re going to look into some other factors that can impact the overall temperature of a stream or river. This is yet another piece of the puzzle that we are putting together to get ready for some new exploration this coming year.

Onward my friends – tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: Changing Temperatures in Rivers & Streams
PREVIOUS SECTION: Cover & Current Breaks [Part 2]

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

Now that we have gone over some of the different kinds of cover, where the most cover can be found, and areas that fish consider to be prime real estate – fish magnets – let’s look at some visual examples so that we have a better idea of what to actually look for when fishing a river or stream.

All of these images have been scanned and taken from an awesome reference titled The Freshwater Angler™: Fishing Rivers & Streams. I’m not going to place the photo link / credit after every picture because there will be quite a few – but make sure to try to get a copy of this book. (My grandpa gave this copy to me and it’s nice to have!)

We’ll start with a definition of a word that gets thrown around a lot…

What is an “Eddy” in a river or stream?

An eddy is an area in a river or stream where the water actually flows against the main current. This is the result of something disrupting the main current flow, like shoreline that extends into the channel, or a rock or log. Eddies typically form on the lower side of the obstruction, but they can also form on the side facing into the current, and in either case they usually create some sort of slack-water area.

How to Identify Eddies & Slack-Water Areas

Additional Overhead Cover to Look For

Remember that the best spots to hide not only include slack-water – but overhead cover as well – these areas are especially attractive to larger fish!

Again, all images provided by this great reference that I strongly suggest you get a copy of: The Freshwater Angler™: Fishing Rivers & Streams.

Moving Forward

Next, we’ll take a look at what species of fish prefer what water temperatures. We’ll also discuss what can cause that temperature to change in rivers & streams. This will come in handy as we start to explore new water this year – so make sure to stay tuned for those videos as we report on both success and failure.

Progress, progress, progress. Tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: Preferred Temperature Ranges of Warmwater Gamefish
PREVIOUS SECTION: Cover & Current Breaks [Part 1]

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

Now that we have looked into current and the affect it has on the fish in a river system or stream, we should go a step further and discuss cover and current breaks. We’ll do this in two phases, starting with some basic concepts provided in: The Freshwater Angler™: Fishing Rivers & Streams:

If you think about it, it’s natural that fish living in current would seek out anything that might prevent them from being swept away. The moment they hatch new fry are small, weak swimmers – and food for larger predators – but fortunately, they can find cover and concealment behind pebbles and gravel… to start.

As fish grow, they will need to find larger types of cover to both shade and hide themselves. It is common for the largest fish in a system to set up near the largest boulders, or near logs or banks with the deepest undercuts. Streams & rivers without cover like this will probably not hold as many large fish.

In the previous article we discussed the different species of fish found in currents of varying strength and their general tolerance to that current. Fish like smallmouth bass have a higher tolerance and so in an area with more current, a single boulder or even a branch can provide enough cover to hold a quality fish – but crappie and largemouth (fish that prefer slower current like what we could expect in a pool or low-gradient area) would probably require more substantial cover to block faster current enough to hold in that stretch of water.

Streams that wind and meander typically have more structure, cuts and cover than those that are straight. Remember too that smaller streams make it easier to see the pool-riffle-run pattern that changes the bottom composition and strength of the current, as the same amount of water has to move through narrow and wide areas – ultimately leading to many deep holes and undercut banks. Straight streams can be more uniform, and therefore offer less cover, meaning fewer adult fish will be present.

The best cover will not only offer a break in the current, but provide overhead protection (from the sun and predators) as well. This means that fish may well prefer the slack water of an undercut bank to say, slack water behind a boulder. The undercut bank offers more robust protection – but both can hold fish.

Whether you are fishing a lake or a stream, most bodies of water have some prime real estate. Areas of cover (either visible or submerged) that are just “fish magnets”. A good spot is a good spot, and when the largest and most dominant fish that set up in these areas are caught, they will either return upon release, or another fish of similar size will move into the area. Pay attention to areas that are productive and revisit them to test this concept.

Over time you will start to recognize visual cues that mean there is cover present. At first, you will miss many of these spots – but that’s good for two reasons. First, other less experienced fishermen will miss them as well, and second, the more you practice, the more cover you will be able to identify, and the more cover you can identify, the more fish you will catch as you continue to develop as an angler.

Moving Forward

Now that we know more about cover and current breaks in a river or stream – and why they are important – let’s go ahead and put together a list of common slack-water areas that you can look for which may very well hold gamefish.

The combination of these concepts & targets will help us zero in on success.

Tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: Cover & Current Breaks [Part 2]
PREVIOUS SECTION: What is Current in a Body of Water?

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

Recently, we discussed what a channel within a river or stream is and where it is located. This knowledge will help you find the deepest, fastest water without the aid of electronics. But are there other factors that come into play and impact how fast your body of water is moving?

Yes.

Does the speed of the current help determine what fish are present as well?

Yes.

Let’s take a look at what can increase or decrease current speed, and how fish behave in these different conditions.

What is current?

A current in a river or stream is the flow of water primarily influenced by gravity as the water moves downhill. Over time, this flow can lose its potential energy. The rate of movement, speed and direction are all important factors.

Current is the force of flowing water, typically discussed in terms of “speed”. This speed is usually determined by the slope – or gradient – of the streambed, the shape of the channel, and the amount of flow.

A high-gradient stream is one that drops rapidly in elevation. One that slopes slowly would be considered low-gradient. A stream can also contain both high and low gradient areas. The gradient is typically highest near the source, and it slows as it flows along, especially as sediment is deposited (this gradually flattens the streambed, slowing current). Usually the slowest current speed can be found near the mouth, where the flowing water enters another body of water. (Note that in some cases the water flow will slow and spread before connecting with another body of water, simply soaking into the ground.)

If the flow increases, the current will generally increase as well. A narrow passage or shallow area can also increase current, because the same amount of water is forced through a smaller area.

What are pools, riffles & runs?

When the current increases, it can excavate a deep pool. In this pool, the current is much slower and the sediment carried here settles out. As the sediment builds up though, it can cause the water to get shallower – and remember when water gets shallower it causes the current to speed up because the same amount of water is forced through a smaller area – this increased current is called a riffle. Riffles are shallower, faster moving areas of a stream, and their fast water starts to dig the channel deeper, creating a run. This run is usually characterized with a more moderate current and it will continue until reaching the next pool where the process repeats.

This is what leads to the typical pool-riffle-run configuration, which is very noticeable in smaller streams, but can be harder to identify in larger bodies of water.

Pools also look calmer on top, because the sediment that settles in the slow current consists of fine materials: sand, silt or muck. In riffles and runs where the water moves faster, sediment washes away and the gravel, rocks and boulders that remain can deflect the current and produce more turbulent waters.

How does current impact fish behavior?

Fish behave differently in fast current versus slower current. For example, fish in faster water are conditioned to grab food quickly without much examination. If they didn’t the current would simply sweep their meal away! This means that fish in faster water are quicker to hit a lure when compared to those in slower water. Fish are also easier to locate as they are typically confined to slack water areas where they can avoid fast current – as opposed to being scattered all throughout an area.

The deepest, fastest water always follows the outside bends along a channel, and expert stream fishermen can quickly spot these deep zones at a glance. They also know that most stream species hang out in or alongside these areas.

If you are targeting a specific species of fish, it helps to know which fish prefer high-gradient areas, medium-gradient areas and low-gradient areas. Let’s take another peek at one of our references: The Freshwater Angler™: Fishing Rivers & Streams:

High-Gradient areas are favored by species like smallmouth bass and steelhead. The higher the gradient, the more the fish hug the bottom to escape the current. These areas typically hold the largest rocks and boulders.

Medium-Gradient areas are favored by everything from walleye to channel catfish, sauger, muskie, spotted bass, sturgeon, striped bass, wipers and shad. These areas have a more moderate current which means the fish don’t have to hug the bottom quite as tight, and there are usually fewer boulders but a good mix of rocks and gravel.

Low-Gradient areas are favored by largemouth bass, pike, blue & flathead catfish, white & black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish. The slower current means silt and muck can settle, resulting in a smooth streambed and fish cruising further off the bottom.

* These “speeds” are relative. There are usually no fish found in the absolute fastest water.

Moving Forward

Next, we’ll spend a little time discussing cover and current breaks. If you need a refresher, make sure to bounce back to review what a channel is – all of this knowledge we are amassing is important as we get ready to explore new streams and rivers this coming year!

Last year we had good luck in small lakes… this year, we have our work cut out for us.

Let’s keep making progress. Tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: Cover & Current Breaks [Part 1]
PREVIOUS SECTION: What is a Channel & Where is it Located?

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate

To the angler that does most of their fishing in lakes and reservoirs, approaching streams and rivers can seem quite foreign. (I’m speaking as someone who is currently intimidated by these winding bodies of rolling water.) The fish behave differently, they use different locations, respond to different presentations, conditions can change constantly… things are just… well, different.

However, a 30 second internet search will reveal the truth: there are many stream & river fishing opportunities that we are missing.

Question is… how do we fix that? Where do we start?

Answer?

Right here, right now.

Let’s discuss what a channel is, and where the deepest water in a river or stream is typically located.

What is a channel?

A channel is typically a narrow, fluid body of moving shallow water that provides a path for sediment flowing within the stream (or river) banks. Vegetation, sediment load, slope and flow can lead to constant changes that affect both aquatic & terrestrial life.

Because the water is moving, the fish in these areas can be slightly more resilient to changing weather conditions like cold fronts, cloud cover and changes in air temperature. If you have the option to fish either a small lake or a stream after a cold front – it might be a good idea to pick the stream!

It is also important to note that many sources seem to refer to the channel as something that is actually within the stream or river itself. The channel is part of a river or stream. Look back at our definition above, the channel provides “a path… flowing within the stream (or river) banks”.

Where is the channel actually located?

Next, it’s important that we understand the general underwater makeup of these channels, especially since most of us will not have access to our depth finders or the electronics we’re used to relying on when we’re fishing lakes. To understand where the channel itself is located (along with the deepest water) let’s look at a cross-section provided by The Freshwater Angler™: Fishing Rivers & Streams:

In a straight section of a river / stream?

Along an outside bend of a river / stream?

Along an inside bend of a river / stream?

Moving Forward

Next, we’re going to talk more about current, current speed, and the different elements that factor into this attribute in your body of water. This is important knowledge to have, especially if you’re like me and plan to hike & explore as many streams as you can find in the near future!

That’s a big goal for this year.

Last year, it was important to take some bad habits and turn them into good behaviors. These behaviors resulted in a whole bunch of awesome fish – now this year, it’s time to repeat that process and catch more fish from more bodies of water.

Let’s keep pushing ahead. Tight lines!

NEXT SECTION: Understanding Current and How it Affects Fish Behavior

[ Back to the Index Page for Learn How To Fish Rivers & Streams ]

Get Articles & Videos First

Catch More Fish Than Your Friends. Laugh At Their Tears.

Email

SUBSCRIBE

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Watch Now

Thank You For Your Support

Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!

Click to Donate