THE HUNT IS ON !

You are finally in the river and are ready to start your quest for that beautiful trout you been dreaming about all night long. Whether it be a Rainbow, Brook, or Big Brown, bring it on!!!  Now that you have paused in the river and have your footing, look around and pick your spot for that first cast.

I always look for the overhanging flora, such as a willow bush, that the predator fish may be hiding below.  The fish sit there waiting for anything to fall from the bush that may be tasty, or a smaller fish on the hunt for something to eat as well.  The bush may hang over the water, but underneath it can be cut two or three feet back under the riverbank's edge.  This is where your target will be hiding.  It is your job to draw them out.

Fishing upstream, cast your lure above the target.  Let it float down, getting it as far back under the willow as possible. Here is where you have to really be on your toes. There are roots, sticks, and even rocks under there that can snag your lure.  So be alert. Just before it gets past the willow, start reeling in your lure as fast as you can.  This will stimulate the fish and it will follow the lure. You may want to slow the speed of your retrieval slightly giving the fish time to size up it's prey. Hopefully, you will be yelling "fish on". Try this several times and if there is no reaction, move on to your next spot to try your luck.

We will talk about other spots to fish in the river on follow up blogs.

'Til next time.