Fishing Buddy: Tips for Fishing Narrow Water

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Tips for Fishing Narrow Water

Gave my 3 wt and I a run for our money!

Clear, narrow-water fishing is some of my favorite. Not only are the fish extra spooky because of the limited cover and lack of good hiding places, but the crystal clear water and few good casting areas make approaching these spooky fish very difficult. I had a chance to fish Bear Butte Creek in Sturgis recently and it was a blast. A nice baetis hatch had them preoccupied. With their guard down, I was able to sneak in a few well placed casts. Here are a few tips for the next time you find yourself on a small stream with spooky fish:

Small and wonderful

1. Review the area from afar: On these small creeks, you won't have the luxury of deciding how to approach the run streamside. Set up scout camp at a distance to ensure the fish don't catch wind of your plans.

2. Be patient: Before you approach a run, take some time to see what the fish may be munching on. The day I fished BBC was simple. There were little sailboats on a scenic drift tour of the creek and plenty of fish munching. If they are just dimpling at the surface, try an emerger pattern that fits the time of year. If you see no active fish on top, get the seine net (or put a paint filter over your fishing net) out to see what bugs are active at that time. You don't have the luxury of placing cast after cast in a run. Better have the right bug so you can make each one count.

3. Get low: You don't see many anglers doing it. Maybe because they fear looking a little silly. I'm used to that, so I won't hesitate to approach a run with caution. Crawling on my knees to get into a decent casting position while a school of browns feed upstream is an exciting task and very effective on these little creeks.

4. Watch your backcast: Anytime you find yourself among tall brush, numerous trees, or in a crouching tiger position, it's imperative to watch your backcast. It's a sinking feeling when you are ready for the approach cast and you get hung up in a tree behind you. It happens to the best now and again, but you can limit these occurrences by monitoring your line. A good habit to get into for many occasions.