The Skinny on Water

[travelbilly]

I'm a bit confused about the water. When it's low and clear, all I hear is "we need water sooo bad" When it rains, all I hear is "the rivers high and too dirty" What's the deal? Or is it just differnt strokes kinda thing? I get needing more water for the fish to move in, but then it sounds like complaining that there's to much water and it's too stained and..... Does it even matter? :

[fishbreath]

A lot of it is personal preference. Mine is... for a big stream like the Catt I prefer low and clear because there's still enough water for fish to not spook. For smaller streams I like some stain to keep them from spooking. Of course you can't always get what you want so learn to fish in all conditions.

[travelbilly]

yea, that's what I thought shouldn't one be able to handle all conditions?

[kweetech]

a lot of rivers around here are running well below average..and have been for a few years. We need rain to bring the water tables up, and bring up the flows....not to mention the rain flushes to bring in fish.
Personally I'll try to deal with whatever..and just like to get out.

[SAGA]

Low water seems to draw out the Salmon run more, Steelhead seem to come up regardless. High and fast water can allow the seasons run to blow through quickly, and too much water does not allow you as much wading access. One aspect of the high/low contriversey does not allow you to deal with it as completely and decreases your window of opprotunity.

Most times when a Main larger river is too high and fast to wade, its smaller triburatries are perfect for wading, with the water up and drawing fish in