Novice fly fishers may hear or read that "trout are opportunistic feeders." But what does that mean? Well, what it means is when a safe opportunity arises to grab lunch, a trout reacts instinctively and goes for it, because the opportunity may not arise again for quite a while. That's great news for dry fly anglers with little experience, because if one can place a fly at the right place at the right time in the proper way, more than likely, a trout will rise.
Pockets and Seams in Rivers
Pockets are slack-water areas behind rocks or other obstructions in the river. Think of a "pocket" as the calm area behind an 18-wheeler when traveling down the highway. Water rushing past an obstruction acts similarly to the air around moving vehicles. Trout love to hang out in this area for several reasons: they expend less energy in slack water, and they can easily see bugs drop onto the glassy surface.
When approaching a pocket, aim for the front of it. If possible, go ahead and hit the rock with the fly and let it bounce or slide off. This technique is extremely productive because it's so life-like. If a trout doesn't strike on the first few attempts, move to the next pocket.
A seam is caused by two different currents moving at different speeds. There is typically a very distinct "line" between the two currents where they appear to be "rubbing" against one another, and trout find much of their food near seams. Plop a dry at the uppermost edge of a seam and let it ride through. Be persistent.
Stream Edges and Cutbanks
Since the water at river edges is usually shallower, these areas heat up faster. Also, on the edges, water clarity improves, which is critical for trout to see what's floating on the surface.
If trout are not feeding in the usual areas, (pockets, pools, riffles or slicks) aim for the edges, being careful not to get hung up on riparian vegetation.
Cutbanks provide the perfect, deep hiding place for trout. Terrestrials and Stoneflies often fall into the current around cut banks, and trout are quick to swallow them up. Be ready! Many times, a trout will snipe at a dry fly just a split second after it hits the water.
Fishing the Heads and Tails of Pools
Pools mostly occur because of some sort of large obstruction across the entire stream – a beaver dam, a log jam, boulders, or a slight, sudden drop in the elevation of the river bottom. Pools are deeper and look calm on the surface. They form below obstructions, and have what's called "heads" and "tails."
Tails are the downstream ends of pools and will likely come to a narrowing point where the water is picking up speed again. Fish the tails first, since most fly fishers tend to move upstream. Often, trout will rest in the tails of pools, ready to ambush insects that ride all the way through. When approaching a tail, watch for rises!
The head is the upstream portion, which is often deep and slower moving. Trout will drift around in heads of pools waiting for bugs to spill over into the head. Shoot flies into the uppermost reaches and let dries skitter across, being careful not to allow drag.
All rivers are different and have their own unique personalities. However, most rivers have many commonalities. Once an angler learns where trout feed, fly fishing becomes less of a mythical sport, and more along the lines of an obsession.
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