by Eric Halloran

Created on: October 25, 2009

Trout are very wary fish. Their survival depends on finding concealment. Winged predators including herons, kingfishers, mergansers, osprey, and bald eagles can easily spot fish in open water. Trout in open water rely on depth and underwater structure for safety. They are unlikely to feed on top of the water during the day. Trout living in small streams with dense cover on the banks and overhead are able to feed in safety all day long. By stealthily approaching such spots, the fly fisher can often observe trout feeding boldly on top of the water. These fish can provide great sport for the fly fisher who is able to fish in thick underbrush. Here are some techniques and strategies I've used for success in the bush:

1) Rod selection - Tight cover is the last place to bring a long rod. 8'6" rods and 9' rods in 5 or 6 weight are commonly used for pursuing trout in streams, but under these conditions a long rod is a liability. A 7' rod or shorter in a 3 or 4 weight is perfectly suited for casting in tight spots.

2) Terminal tackle - leader and tippet need to be shortened to control the cast. A seven foot leader will do and use lighter tippet 5 ought or finer. Flourocarbon has the advantage of higher strength in smaller diameters.

3) Roll cast - If you must stand near the bank, you are unlikely to have any room for a back cast. The overhead cast is out of the question. You'll be spending all your time hung up in trees. The roll cast takes place directly in front of the caster. It does not require a back cast. Roll casting is usually confined to nymphs, wet flies and streamers, but can be used with buoyant dry flies. Use a little extra floatant and every few casts, retrieve the fly so that you can use your breath to blow it dry.

4) Sidearm cast - If you are able to stand in the middle of the stream and can position yourself to allow room for a back cast upstream, you still may have overhanging branches to contend with. Try using a sidearm cast which employs the same motion and dynamics as the overhead cast. In this case, instead of having the rod perpendicular to the surface of the water at the top of the cast, the rod will be extended out to the side parallel to the surface. With a little practice this cast will keep the fly and fly line a mere foot or even less above the water. This cast is great for punching the fly underneath an over hanging branch under any circumstances.

5) Bow and Arrow cast - This cast is for really tight spots. Hold the fly in your line hand

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