Fishing during runoff brings some of the most challenging and rewarding opportunities for freshwater anglers. The elevated water, strong current and murky visibility make for unique conditions when working creeks and streams. Here are some pointers to help you navigate fast moving water, including short clips showing where to cast your spinning gear and tips on what to use.
Where Do Fish Go During Runoff?
Finding fish in swift currents can be difficult. Fish often become displaced in these conditions, so the locations where you may have become accustomed to casting might not be holding anything. If you do find where they’re holding, they can have a harder time honing in on your lure.
Fortunately, conventional concepts apply for locating species such as trout. As the water level rises and the current increases, trout tend to hold toward the bottom in the deepest, calmest water.
This is often eddies on the sides of streams and creeks, washed out undercuts, as well as deeper pools, glides and pockets where they can find a break from the current, such as behind rocks, logs and other obstructions – anywhere that provides safety from the deluge washing downstream.
During heavy runoff, it can be worth skipping over riffles without much structure and white water pockets that might otherwise be good fishing during calmer conditions. Instead, focus on the edges, as these are often the slowest, stillest areas. Observe the current and depth with these points in mind and you’re likely to reel something in.
Is Fishing Good When the Water Is High?
Fishing during different stages of runoff can present unique opportunities. When runoff is in its early stages, the water is still relatively clear and fish can become triggered by food sources such as insects being washed into the water. However, they might not be as concentrated in easy to target eddies.
If the weather is stable and you aren’t expecting any significant rainfall, heading out during during peak runoff when the water levels are highest can be productive, as this is when fish will be most concentrated in specific areas.
If the runoff becomes too intense, it can be difficult for fish to feed and the water may be too turbid for them to see your lure, or simply too hard to put your lure in front of them. You’ll know it’s too intense if there’s so much water that you can’t find any slow spots.
As runoff begins to lessen and the water is returning to normal, fish may not be as concentrated in areas that are easy to target, but they can still be highly receptive to striking your lure after spending a lot of energy enduring the harsh water. Another benefit is that the runoff is likely to have washed new fish into different pockets and pools that were previously empty.
While timing can be a factor when fishing during runoff, there are many opportunities for success if you pay attention to the water levels and come prepared for fishing in turbulent conditions.
What to Use When Fishing During Runoff?
Lean toward the heavier side of things with your tackle selection. Runoff water is harder to navigate on foot and the extra casting range will make it easier to reach distant pools. You may also want to cast further than usual so your bait doesn’t get swept downstream before reaching the bottom where fish are holding.
Brightly colored 1/4oz spinners with a large profile make a great choice for murky, fast-moving water. The flash and vibration from inline spinners are that much more helpful in these low-visibility conditions as they make it easier for fish to take notice.
The weight of a 1/4oz spinner will let you make accurate casts to faraway eddies and structure that might not be approachable. Yet, it’s still light enough for slow to moderate retrieval speeds in deeper sections. This subtle presentation can make all the difference if you’re fishing during spring runoff when the water is still cold.
Brightly colored jig heads can also be effective. If they aren’t dressed or feathered, you can rig them with an artificial grub, a segment of earthworm, or some other bait. Jig heads with a small spinning blade are ideal for extra visibility in muddy, debris-filled water.
It’s also worth spooling up heavier line that can handle the fast water and any potential snags. We recommend 10lb braid at a minimum. It’s still thin enough to minimize line visibility, especially in dirty water, and it holds up to abrasion noticeably better than 8lb line or lighter.
Final Words From Top Strike
Fishing during runoff can present some unique challenges for anglers, but it also provides a great opportunity to catch fish. By paying attention to the water conditions and choosing the right tackle, you can increase your chance of success when fishing in fast moving water.
To summarize:
- Fish tend to hold toward the bottom in the deepest, calmest water. Look for eddies on the side of the water, washed-out undercuts, obstructions in the current, as well as deep pools and feeding lanes with structure on the bottom.
- Use heavier lures. Good options include a brightly colored 1/4oz spinner or a small jig head rigged with a piece of an earthworm or an artificial grub. Go with heavier line such as 10lb braid that can handle the heavy current and snags.
- Cast well ahead of the deep sections you intend to target so your lure has time to get toward the bottom before being swept downstream with the current. Slow down your retrieve if you’re fishing the cold snowmelt runoff in early spring.
- Early runoff can trigger feeding as food is washed into the water, peak runoff concentrates fish into easy to target areas, and post-runoff can be productive after fish have burned calories dealing with the heavy current.
You can check real-time data on water levels with this map on USGS.gov.
The National Parks Service has put together some safety tips and common hazards you may encounter when navigating swift currents. Don’t underestimate the power behind fast moving water, even if it’s shallow.
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