Tailwaters are the waters below a hydro dam on a lake. The flow of the water is regulated through the release of water by the dam. Generally the water is released during certain periods causing the level of the river to fluctuate. During the release of water the current and the water level of the river will increase drastically, making wade fishing dangerous. Care must be taken when fishing in or around the water during these times, because the current is stronger than imaginable.
Understanding Tailwater Fishing
Tailwaters are extremely fertile waters, generally having prolific year-round insect hatches, including a midge hatch in the dead of winter. As well as the insect hatches, there are usually several species of bait fish giving fish constant feed. Due to the abundance of food, the fish grow at a fast rate and grow to large sizes. The largest trout caught out of rivers, are generally from the tailwaters. The constant release of water also affects the water temperature as well. Moving water is cooler in the summer and the water being released from the lake above is from large depths. The water itself is cooler as it is released into the river, keeping the water temperature cool enough for trout to thrive in during the summer months. As well the water tends to be warmer during the winter months, which helps to promote insect hatches.
Tactics for Catching Trout
During the non-release times, the river will be very calm with little current. Trout will frequently rise during these times as many insects emerge to the surface. Almost a still water fishery, the water is calm and clear, trout can be selective and finicky. Many factors come into play; leader and tippet size, fly selection and presentation.
Trout know the hatches that are happening, the size, shape, and color of each insect. Fly selection should match a hatch as close as possible and a sparse pattern usually works best. Present the flies in a lifelike manner. If the fish are in a moving seam of water, try to maintain a dead drift through the whole run. On calm surfaces, lay the fly down gently and slowly, ‘skate’ the fly across the surface of the water. Slowly raising the tip of the rod will pull the fly across the water as if it is preparing to fly. Match the leader and tippet to the size of the fly being fished. The line needs to be invisible to the fish. Realism is the key to fooling finicky trout.
Tailwaters offer exciting fly fishing opportunities. In the U.S.A., many of the waters are stocked with trout by State Wildlife Departments. Generally there is an abundance of fish, and the possibility of catching a trophy is very good. Whether the preferred flies are dries, nymphs or streamers, anglers are sure to catch fish in tailwaters.
