Temperature Triggers

I came across this photo of an article that I saved years ago. Thought it may be of interest to others as I found it to be a good read. Puts a little different spin on things. Enjoy!

High, Dirty Water Fly Fishing

One of the biggest myths in fly fishing is that trout don't feed well in high, dirty water. Nothing could be further from the truth. The trout actually gorge themselves quite often during high, dirty water conditions. The fact that you aren't catching them doesn't mean that they aren't feeding. The tactics do change a little however, especially from the way most people believe that they need to present their flies during the dirty water times. Here's a few tips that may help you out:

Lose the Flash

Most people tend to think that they need to throw big, bright, flashy flies when fishing in dirty water so the fish can see their offering. This may be one of the biggest myths out there. The trout sees very well in dirty water...very well. Just because you can't see the fly doesn't mean that they can't. In fact, flashy flies will often turn them away. Think about it like this...nothing in nature produces flash without sunlight reflecting on it. In dirty water there would not be enough light penetration for anything to produce flash, so it is not a natural occurrence and the fish know that something is up. Go to a dark, or at least a darker fly, and see if that produces some better results for you.

Downsize Your Fly

Another myth related to fish not being able to see your fly is to think that it has to be a large fly in order to get noticed. Again, these fish make a living eating. They see your fly very well. The reason they don't eat it actually may be that it is too big. Keep in mind that there is a huge amount of dislodgement occurring during high water. The trout are literally being bombarded with food floating downstream that has been washed out from under the rocks, off the banks or wherever else it usually hides out. In fact, that's the reason that most people find the fishing slower during these times. The trout simply have a huge amount of food available to them and will often key in on the size food that they are actually seeing as a natural occurrence. If your fly is way too big, then guess what, it just doesn't look right to them and they will leave it alone. In fact, try fishing a two fly rig (which you should be doing anyway) with two very different sized nymphs, say a size 10 stonefly versus a size 16 hares ear. Bet you'll be surprised at how much better the smaller fly does in getting their attention.

Beat the Banks

This can be very important. It only makes sense to present your fly to areas that are actually holding fish. During high water, whether it's dirty or not, the fish will often be pushed to the banks in order to find more suitable flows to hold in. Just like any other time, they do not like fighting the current when they don't have to. Many times you walk right past them on your way out to fish the middle of the river. Big mistake! Pay attention to the slower currents that are often found in the more shallow water near the banks. If you are truly in high water conditions you can bet that the fish will not be holding in the middle of the river without having a good current break to hide behind. But overall, you'll find them tucked away safely within a few feet of the bank enjoying the softer water and gorging themselves on the abundance of food that just magically appeared when the water rose.

Suunto MC-2 G Mirror Compass

Disclaimer: My product reviews are based on my use of these products on a personal and commercial level. I'm an outfitter and guide, as well as an avid outdoorsman. I AM NOT sponsored or given these products in order to write a favorable review. This product was purchased with my money and used for my personal benefit, as well as in the process of conducting my business operations. It's a fair and honest review....enjoy! 

Suunto MC-2G Compass

OK, I admit it. I love land navigation! From my early days in the Boy Scouts to my years spent as a U.S. Army infantry soldier, I've had a lot of practice and real world experience in the art of land navigation. It's always been an interesting science to me, and I enjoy doing it whenever possible. It's also very handy knowledge to have, especially when you spend lots of time all alone on off-trail pursuits. In fact, it becomes a necessity. You either get very good at it, very quickly, or you become a statistic. Simple as that.

As I stated, I'm an avid outdoorsman and guide. I guide fishing, hunting and hiking trips. Most of that time is spent off-trail. After all, the best fishing and hunting spots are not located on trails. In order to be successful and safe in that line of work, navigation skills are a must. You not only have your own safety at risk, but your clients' as well. Those are not responsibilities that I take lightly. In order to conduct my trips in the safest manner possible, I depend on some of the best gear available in today's market. And when it comes to my choice of compass, I couldn't be happier than I am with my Suunto MC-2G.

The Suunto MC-2G is a mirrored sighting compass, which obviously means that it has a mirror on it to aid in sighting your bearings. This is a good addition, but the main reason I want a mirror compass is simply for first aid scenarios, i.e. to get something out of my eye, check out a cut to my face, etc. It can also be used for signalling purposes if need be. When folded shut, the mirror covers the actual compass dial and adds a layer of protection that is also nice to have. It weighs a little more than a typical baseplate compass, but it's worth it in my opinion.

The compass has a global needle, which means it can be used anywhere in the world, not just in North America. The needle can function at tilts up to 20 degrees, which makes it useful in other parts of the world as well where the magnetic pull would render typical compass needles useless due to them dragging and sticking within the dial. It also dampens quickly for faster readings on the go.

The compass has an adjustable declination which is an absolute necessity in my opinion. Many, many, many people have become hopelessly lost because they either forgot to account for declination or didn't know how to do it. This feature takes that extra step out of the equation. It also speeds up the learning curve for new navigators. Priceless in my opinion.

It also comes with a clinometer for figuring slope if you're in an area where avalanches are a concern. Another nice feature to have when you need it, and certainly not a common feature on most compasses. A well thought out addition, for sure.

Pros

• All the features described above plus....
• Map scales and rulers printed on baseplate
• Detachable lanyard
• Luminescent markings for low light conditions
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• A little pricey if you don't want all the features 
• Slightly heavier than a standard baseplate compass without mirror

As someone who spends a great deal of his life in the woods, on the water and out of cell phone range, I can tell you without a doubt that I depend on this compass frequently. I like to know where I'm at and where I'm going, and I don't like to mess around getting there. It helps me put clients on untouched (blueline) waters and it helps me when I'm planning extended hiking trips from the comfort of my desk at home. Regardless of the situation, when I need a compass this is the one I reach for.

Let me know what compass you prefer, and why, in the comments section. Thanks for reading and be safe out there.

                                                                                                                                           Steve