Fishing new water is always exciting. Particularly when there is a high degree of certainty that there will be plenty of trout, exploration is enjoyable. A recent morning on a new stretch of river was filled with probing undercut banks and drifts through deep runs. Slow and deliberate observation was the ticket to identifying spots and staying inconspicuous. Upon turning a bank in the creek, I saw a hole that obviously held a fish.
The only problem was that it was virtually inaccessible. Virtually, not completely. But it was going to be a challenge. There were two large logs forming an “x” across the creek. Debris had piled up at the center axis, which also happened to be right over the deep, dark hole on the same bank as me. That was my target.
I’ve caught plenty of trout out of virtually inaccessible spots. Each time it requires some significant planning, positioning, and, ultimately, being the beneficiary of circumstance. I’ve also botched plenty of legitimate chances at good fish holding in complex situations. Bad casts, bad drifts, bad back casts, bad rod positioning, bad footing, and bad approaches have led to plenty of spooked and lost fish. Some trout aren’t going to be caught. Others can be, but it takes a little bit of work.
Here are four things to think about when it comes to spots that force truly challenging presentations:
Remember you’re the predator and the fish is the prey.
As you assess the situation, don’t assume that the fish can’t see you. In fact a fish with an obstructed view may respond to all it can see, even if it is just a flash of shadow or silhouette. Sometimes trout hemmed in on all sides are essentially shielded and you can get right on top of them… if you don’t make too much noise. You can ruin a very good shot at a fish by worry about all things on the rest of this list but failing to approach with stealth and caution.
Don’t forget that a cast involves your back cast, your presentation, and your body.
The whole plan for getting the fly to the fish depends upon you actually getting the fly to the fish. Many frustrating moments have come from the tree right behind your prefect cast. The multifaceted spatial aspect of a cast involves your physical position along with the entire course of your rod and line. While figuring out where you fly needs to land is most important, having a cast that can accomplish that efficiently is a necessary variable. Of course, being proficient with a number of casting techniques and line control matters quite a bit here.
Decide if this is a one cast spot or not.
There are plenty of logjams, plunge pools, and hemlock tunnels that will permit one drift. Why? Retrieving the fly will necessitate tearing it back through the drift. Maybe the fish will pursue the fly, or maybe it will have patience and hit it on the second drift. But probably not. Assuming this is the cast, be sure everything is just right. Line things up. Check and double check currents, knots, line out of the reel, etc. Make it count.
Have an exit strategy worked out for both of you.
Before you descend that steep bank or hop onto that rock, make sure you can get back to where you need to be. It may entail blowing up the hole or getting dirty. But you need to get back and do so safely. Second, what happens when you hook the fish? Can you get your net to the water? In which direction should you move your rod to achieve a good hook set? Are there significant obstructions, currents, or obstacles you’ll have to keep the frantic fish away from? All of these questions are best asked and answered before you cast.
The brown took a white streamer that I shot in front of the upstream log with a bow and arrow cast. I followed the fly down with my rod tip, as I figured my hook set would have to be straight upstream to keep a direct line to the trout. Once the fish came up and swiped at the fly, I slid down the bank on my hip and pulled the fight above all the woody mess. It was a relatively quick affair. The trout swam back into its shelter, I made my way back to the trail. A little planning led to a virtually perfect presentation and fish.