Second, look for areas that will provide fish with food. Find pockets (behind boulders or at the bottom of pools) where trout can camp out eat without expending a ton of energy. Trout are very sluggish this time of year and aren’t willing to go out of their way for food. Find a concentration of these winter whoppers holding in a food-carrying current and you’ve probably stumbled across that “secret spot” for the rest of the year.
Deep pools are obvious big-fish magnets, but also see plenty of pressure throughout the year. Look past the bottomless holes and waterfalls, and seek out other key strike zones that won’t catch your eye later in the year. Note seams where strong currents flow into slower, shallow-water riffles. Or outside bends (especially below undercut banks) where current, springs or feeder creeks provide a constant supply of food and refuge from harsh current and sun light.
Third, don’t limit yourself to reading the river below the surface. The surface is probably the most telling aspect of the river. Dancing pyramids (where slow water meets faster water) can hold nice fish even if cover isn’t present. Standing waves mean there are big boulders ahead and big fish hiding out beside them. Eddies are easy giveaways for fish.
Don’t forget the importance of boulders and other structure that break that surface given they’ll be completely submerged once the runoff begins. Large rocks provide pockets downstream and will continue to provide tail-end cavities all year long. The same goes for large logs, or concrete slabs and other man-made structure that ends up in the river.
Once you’ve got those stretches scouted, be sure to reward yourself with some time on the water, testing your new spots with your favorite late-season fly. Find a couple holding trout now and you’ll be on the inside track for a stellar season next year.
