Wading upstream or downstream that is the question

[Steve]

What do you guys prefer. I know common wisdom says wade upstream as you will catch the fish from behind where they can't see you. I do find that I kick up a lot less in the water and make a lot less noise, while wading downstream. I lot easier to do also.

[Erik]

Hi Steve,
I think it all depends on the situation. First of all, when I'm on the river for steelhead, there are usually so many people that I have to pick a spot and wait till another one opens up before I can move. If however I am able to move, I prefer to wade down stream. Steelhead are migrating which means they are moving up river. If you move down river you will increase your chances of meeting one. Also, when moving up stream you run the risk of bumping fish with your line. The idea is to tail out in front of the fish so the first thing the fish sees is your eggs/flies whatever. Start above the fish and all he sees is this bug that keeps getting closer and closer. Well, thats what I think. It seems to work well for me, I'll try to send some pictures of the proof!
PS. I finnally got a scanner!

[Steve]

Excellent! We look forward to the pictures. Write an article about the techniques used to go along with them and we will put it in our fishing library.

[fishon]

I prefer up stream when I can. It all depends on how many people are on the river and where they are.

[Steve]

Don't you find that you make a lot more noise moving upstream though?

[hypox]

yes..walking up stream makes more noise, but if you are in a small stream and you are walking down stream you are kicking up gravel and what ever else. And that will spook the fish badly! It all depends on the size of the stream, how much current, and what you are fishing!

[Erik]

We got this one slipping down through one of my favorite spots on the Big Man. Took a brown corkie tipped with a single salmon egg. I had just got my rig caught in the trees, but was able to get it back without a breakoff. My line had barely fallin from the over hanging branches when he hit. 16lbs 5oz. I guess I wasn't really wading when I caught it but we did start at the top of the hole and slip to the bottom. He was laying right at the bottom above the next set of rifles.

http://www.tir.com/~j.elston/Steely96.jpg

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Phish

[This message has been edited by Erik (edited 02-06-2000).]

[Steve]

Wow, what a beautiful fish. Never caught anything that size in my life. What a thrill it must have been.

[jduck]

When I'm out fishing the small trout streams, 12' or less across. I like to wade/cast upstream, that way I don't stir up the bottom and can see the fish.

[MIBow]

I try to wade upstream when ever possible. If there is public access along the bank, that would be my first preference.. I can "stalk" up or downstream from the bank. That also (usually) gives me a better vantage point for sight fishing. It is important to remember that getting into the river as you stalk is very important.. keep quiet, maintain a low profile at all times!!

The smaller the stream, the more critical this is.. trout are on the look out for preditors from above.

Tight lines!!
MIBow

[Erik]

I think when it comes to small streams and such the best thing to do is not wade at all. That is if you can keep from it. Theres a small stream I go to in the U.P. for wild brookies. When we fish it we always check it out from above on this hill that over looks it. Then we sneak down to the water and quite often crouching down rather than standing, we fish. Even from the hill sometimes the fish will see you and scurry away under the banks. I've watched em do that many times. You can forget wading here unless all you want to catch is little tiney ones.

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Phish

[toto]

I prefer to go upstream if I can. But it is hard in a river like the Big Manistee. Expecially for smaller stream trout (brookies,etc.) I would always try to wade upstream.<"><