by L. Woodrow Ross

Created on: November 10, 2009

Fly fishing strategies for fishing in slow moving rivers and streams involve matching the hatch and imparting the triggering mechanism that will cause fish to strike. If the current is extremely lethargic, you may need to impart some action to your fly to attract the fish. Normally, if there is appreciable current in a river or stream, a ''dead drift" is the preferred way to present a fly, but slow currents can reduce success with that technique.

If you find isolated pockets with little current on small streams, try "dapping". This involves extending the rod over the pocket with just enough leader and line to allow the fly to dangle near the surface of the water. Raise and lower the fly repeatedly to mimic an aquatic insect ovipositing eggs into the water. This will often elicit savage strikes from trout and take fish when other techniques fail. If the fish is a large one, be prepared to give line immediately, or the short length will cause the fish to break off. The more line that is extended from the rod, the more the line can elongate and the less likely the leader will break.

When fishing larger streams with slow current, use the dead drift technique as mentioned above, but impart slight twitches to the fly to give it life-like action that will draw the attention of fish. This is a good technique during grasshopper season. If you have ever watched a grasshopper on the water, it will rest for a moment and then kick several times in its efforts to reach shore. If you can simulate this action, you are very likely to attract some large fish and the results will be some splashy strikes that will increase your heart rate.

Slow current without many ripples on the surface will not mask your approach, so you will need to take precautions to avoid spooking the fish. Keep a low profile. Don't wade unless you have to or you will cause "pressure waves" that will alert the fish to your presence. If wading is absolutely necessary, wade slowly and carefully. If you can, kneel when you cast to maintain the low profile. It is always preferable to approach from downstream, since the fish will be facing upstream into the current and can pick up movement or body outline much easier.

Successful fishing on slow moving rivers and streams is not impossible, but will require special techniques and attention to detail. Use the tips above to be a better fisherman under those trying circumstances.

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