How to Fish a Stream
Before fishing a stream, look carefully at its physical characteristics. Fish will be most drawn to those areas that best permit them to feed, reproduce, and survive.
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You Will Need
- Rapids
- Pools
- Dams or waterfalls
- Reduced currents
- Undercut areas
Steps
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Step 1
Look for rapids
Look for shallow, fast-moving water that runs over rocks and boulders. Known as rapids or riffles, these are prime locations for game fish.
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Expect to find trout, steelhead, salmon, and grayling in cold water streams. Bass, walleye, catfish, and carp prefer warm stream water.
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Step 2
Locate deep pools
Locate deep pools of water downstream from rapids. There will be a slow to moderate current there. Deep water means safety to fish, and as the current enters the pool, it brings food for the fish.
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Step 3
Look below dams or waterfalls
Explore the bases of dams or waterfalls. Falling water excavates a holding area for fish where they can wait for the current to bring them food.
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Step 4
Look for reduced current
Look for places where the stream's current is reduced -- at a point of land, an island, or at a sharp bend. Fish position themselves at the fronts and backs of eddies that form at such locations.
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Step 5
Look for undercut areas
Explore undercut areas along the banks of the stream. The undercut areas also attract fish.
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The U.S. spends about $1 billion each year on stream restoration.
