Observing Trout Underwater: Field and Stream Gets All Wet.
By Tom Chandler on Jan 24, 2007 in Fishing tips
Here’s what you get when you combine a scuba diver, a couple fishermen and the South Platte River: 11 different observations about fly fishing that may or may not surprise you.
From the diver:
I’m in the middle of an experiment to find out what trout really do under the river surface. The only way to truly understand the fish, I figured, was to be the fish, so I got out my scuba gear and jumped in. Here’s what I learned.
Read the rest of the article at: Field & Stream - Photo Gallery - Going Deep In The Name Of Trout Research
Some of the “tips” were surprising; others less so. Many run counter to some of my own fishing experiences, and while the article is hugely interesting, it’s best to take it with a grain of salt.
We’re talking about the behavior of trout on the South Platte - one of the most pressured trout fisheries on the planet.
I’d expect those trout to develop behaviors less-pressured fish might not share.
What parts resonated?
- False casting spooks fish (true).
- Suspended fish are active fish (duh).
- Trout often hang out at the edges of different currents and structures (double duh).
What parts made me wince? The bit where the diver noted that indicator nymphers missed about the half their strikes.
His solution was for anglers to set the hook from time to time when a trout “could” be eating it.
He might call that smart. I call it snagging.
Still, a very interesting read. In fact, it’s today assignment; read the thing (it’s fairly short), and then let us know what you thought. See you behind the mask, Tom Chandler.
Technorati Tags: fly fishing, field and stream, trout, nymphing
rriver | Jan 25, 2007 | Reply
TC,
I was going to post about this same article. This isn’t the first time you have been reading my brainwaves. I’m putting my tinfoil hat back on. Lets see what you do now …
- rriver
Ian | Jan 25, 2007 | Reply
Okay, this pretty much lays out everything I’ve tried to convince people of for years. The weight of a nymph is important. Fish will spook. Fish quickly detect a phony piece of food and eject it.
Indicators aren’t a cure all for detecting a strike. The proper drift is crucial. This is something I try to get across to my anglers whenever they’re nymphin. In fact, I personally believe that working without an indicator is better at short distances for the nympher with good line control.
If the nymph is drifting ahead of the indicator the fish can mouth the fly without so much as a jiggle from the indicator. The fish takes the fly and the indicator is still coming towad the fish, putting slack in the tippet. The indicator should come down the river first followed by the nymph. When the fish eats there should be a connection to the indicator. Reflexes are still crucial.
I’m not an advocate of setting a hook randomly, but you should at least “cock the trigger” and be ready. Simply expecting the strike will make a huge difference.
Overall I’d say this is a good article. If nothing else they can claim visual proof of things we all assume as truth.
Snowbug | Jan 25, 2007 | Reply
Shameless plug. Later today, our radio interview on this subject with Kirk will be posted. I’m slow, but eventually efficient!
http://www.fieldandstream.com/radio
clay | Jan 25, 2007 | Reply
Brilliant!, thanks Mr. Obvious…I shouldn’t be that way, there are a lot of people out there that did not know this stuff. The only problem is the people I used to sit and laugh at are going to be catching my fish!
Pete | Jan 25, 2007 | Reply
I think the author could have better served humanity had he actually lived with the trout and slowly gained their trust. The Jane Goodall of the South Platte.
Tom Chandler | Jan 25, 2007 | Reply
Excellent. I can already see the movie poster: “Cutthroats in the Mist.”
(I want a percentage of the gross, not the net)
Kirk Deeter | Feb 2, 2007 | Reply
Thanks for reading the piece … sorry I earned a “double-duh.” Is it snagging if it ends up in the mouth? Just a thought.
This is a great site. I’m here often. Good luck with all. TC, you’re nails.
K. Deeter
Tom Chandler | Feb 2, 2007 | Reply
Wow, a visit from the Scuba guy himself. The Underground swoons.
Loved the article (OK, maybe not the hook-set part).
Still, are you going to act on Pete’s suggestion and move in with the trout permanently? There’s at least a National Geographic special in it (if not a bad fungus).
Kirk Deeter | Feb 10, 2007 | Reply
The fungus trumps all.
Sorry for the lapse … been out of town.
Still, that water is COLD.