Fast-moving water means it has a strong current where fishing is very challenging. Wind and current is an enemy for using lures or bait properly. The turbulent water distracts the fish from the lures so the chances of catching fish are less when the water moves fast.
Also detecting a fish is difficult and the lures or bait cannot go deeper waters. But nothing is impossible if you have enough patience and applying the proper technique. To fish in the fast-moving water, you have to understand some things such as water flow, areas for fish, the best time for fishing, etc.
Remember, fish are not afraid of strong current and fishing will be less challenging if you know where and when to find fish. Just bring your flies to the fish and wait for the challenges.
Tips for Fishing in Fast Moving Water
In rivers and oceans, currents often move faster than in other areas. So, as an angler, you will have to know how to fish in the fast-moving stream for having a good time angling in rivers. Here are some tips for fishing in fast current.
Rod and Tackle for Better Casts
Rivers and streams where water has a strong current give you a chance to use a fly rod to get over the unique challenges. Learn the basics of water dynamics and fish behavior in streams and rivers flows so you can use your fly rod better.
You can also use a rod and reel combo. If you want to target big fish, you will need a heavy tackle. A 7 feet rod is enough for longer casting. After that, choose bait casting reels or spinning reels, and three-way rigs work great.
Use a three-way swivel or barrel swivel, a sliding bobber, sinkers, 1/0 to 3/0 hooks, etc are perfect tackle for fishing in fast-moving currents.
Bring Your Fly to the Fish
Moving current has some complexities so it is important to manipulate the line to make the fly looks natural for the anglers. The fly will look unnatural if the line and leader are grabbed by the water easily.
That’s why cast right into the current so the line can come back to you in a proper way and the fly will drift naturally into the vas volume of water. Check the fly line if it is on the top of the fish otherwise the fish will escape. The drift should be natural.
Cast 90 Degrees
When you cast 90 degrees to the current, the fly will swing quickly or drag on the water flows. Casting between the cross-stream and the downstream can cover a lot of water so catching steelhead or salmon will be easy.
Cast 135 Degrees
The casting goes 135 degrees but if you want to cast directly downstream, the fly will drag unnaturally. It is not effective as it goes 180 degrees and fishes are not habituated with this situation.
Fly/Trout Fishing in Fast Current
When the current comes right after to you, slack builds easily. So you have to strip very fast otherwise you will lose control from the line and your flies will not strike. After casting, when the line coming back to you, gather the line as fast as possible so the flies can move perfectly.
Set the Hook
Fishes won’t keep flies in their mouth for a long time, so setting the hook accurately is important. Use a swivel or bobber with the hook and select the right size.
How to Mend
Before casting, move your rod and make a circle with the line then lift it off the currents. After that, cast anywhere you want and fling the rod tip. In this way, the tension will break and the line will go wherever you want.
You can cast at any angle which is called mending the line. This is very important for fishing in fast-moving currents. In the slower current, the idea will change a bit.
Control the Speed
To control the speed of the fly swing, first, choose a place that you cast and mend the line across the current. You can also change the angle and can use any wet fly. so swing speed and casting angle is very important for fishing all type species. Do not do anything unnecessary that fish lose interest from the fly.
Fishing in Downstream
Casting in the same direction from the bank, where the current is moving gives you many benefits. When you are presenting the fly, use some slack so the fly can drift more to the current (not in the depth). After deciding the casting angle, mend your line twice or more in the same drift line and change the presentation regularly.
Change your Spot Position
Always choose a place, whether it is a bank, beach, or choose other spot options. The Spot should beclose to the current so that you can cast across the current and your line won’t be twirling.
You do not have to cross the river, just use a longer fly rod and follow the fly line to avoid conflicting current. Also, apply to cast from a different angle and change the position.
Cast Different
You can use slackline cast when the current goes to the Eddie. Keep the rod in a low position and use a parachute cast. Check the water depth you are casting for, is it surface water or deeper water.
Also, consider the patterns of the water flow, if it is slow currents, slack water, or faster ones. Wiggle your rod tip when the line comes forward. You can apply the parachute cast in a complex area where dragging is difficult.
Just make your rod tip high and aim at the sky then drop your rod so your line will get some slack and you get a drag-free drift. This is very effective for downstream presentation.
Another casting technique name is reached cast. When you have to cast a longer distance, first, control the slack by mending the line then cast. It is called reach cast. Just aim your rod high and sweep it up or downstream to control the slack. Slip the line a little to target the fish accurately.
How do You Fish When Current is High
Normally water gets high in the rainy season. But it is the best time for fishing. In this time, the water level increase drastically so looks fish in shallow water in lakes or pond and the new area that water reached. In this area, fishes tend to go mostly for searching food.
Also, check for the pockets and creeks. Because in that area, the oxygen level is perfect for fish. Wait for water stabilization because your baits have to cover lots of areas. Use spinnerbait and buzz fog type bait for high water fishing.
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