There is nothing more pleasurable than a session searching for Wild Trout on a small stream; but get the kit wrong and you could be in trouble! Whenever guiding guests I insist they wear Chest Waders and this usually means a set of Hardy EWS with matching boots. Streams often demand a stealthy approach and the ability to wade through a variety of depths without the fear of a wader full of water. Ditch those thigh waders and go for a decent set of breathable chesties coupled with a sturdy boot. The sole is down to preference but for rocky streams I prefer a felt sole with the addition of a set of studs to maintain grip over slippery ground although the new rubber soled EWS boots are set to change my view during 2009. While talking clothing it is also worth thinking about what may happen if the heavens open. Small streams are often located within a canopy of trees creating superb Trout habitat but this shady environment can lead to an uncomfortable session without some waterproof protection. In the winter months when the Grayling are about I go for a medium weight jacket with plenty of big pockets and cannot fault the GRXI range while summer can be coped with by packing a lightweight equivalent such as the Greys Weathershield.
This leads me on to waistcoats; essential river fishing wear. To be successful a mobile approach is required and the ability to change tactics quickly. Having everything to hand makes life so much easier, making for an enjoyable and often more successful session. Tucked away safely in the waistcoat are a number of essential items. For dry flies you will need some floatant. I like to transport this with one of those little gismos designed to keep this often used substance close to hand. Equally important is a pot of sinkant designed to degrease the leader, cutting it through the surface tension and hiding our link to the artificial from even the pickiest of Trout. Forceps are important for debarbing hooks and I also carry tissue paper to dry off waterlogged flies. Strike indicator yarn can be useful when fishing those really deep pots, but more often than not the leader can be studied carefully for any sign of a take.
Take a small fly box, this makes for faster changes and also frees up space in your chosen waistcoat or similar. Stock well with a good selection. I will never leave home without some parachute patterns, a few Elk Hare Sedge, a Klinkhammer or two and those all important nymphs. Subsurface patterns may need to reach the fish quickly, especially in narrow fast moving streams. To help this process tie up or buy flies that have varied amounts of lead incorporated, gold or even tungsten beads. Copper Johns are perfect covering many eventualities. Most natural insects are drab and so artificial patterns should be in shades including Olive and Tan. However there is one colour that reigns supreme; Black is simply deadly! It is wise to tuck a little pot of flies away somewhere safe because it is easy to drop the main box leaving you stranded on a stream full of rising Trout with no hope of catching them! I suffered this fate myself several years ago and still have nightmares about it now!
Once upon a time I would always have recommended an 8' #4 fly rod for small streams such as the amazing little Streamflex by Greys but over the seasons my attitude has changed. River fishing in general is all about control and a longer rod assists the presentation of flies in all sorts of tricky to reach areas. The in vogue method is a short line approach with very little fly line protruding from a rod of 9 or even 10 feet, assisting a near vertically presentation of the leader above the fish. Add a sacrificial tippet to the leader creating one dropper to which is tied a dry fly, extending below should be a section of leader of around 2 feet although vary this according to conditions. Tie a nymph to the extended section of tippet and we have a very effective rig that is bound to increase our chances. This New Zealand dropper style allows a variety of water to be fished and positions flies above and below the surface. Look to the Streamflex once again for these specialist items or treat yourself to a top of the range Hardy Marksman! Netting fish is also coped with in style by the Marksman range of wooden nets, a product that will last a lifetime.
Carefully constructed leaders are crucial when river fishing. Copolymer is perfect for surface work but when casting into deep runs, especially in clear water conditions it is wise to use Fluorocarbon. Breaking strains are often no more than 3lbs test and dependant on conditions this figure could reduce to 2lbs or below. Tapering is all important to assist good turnover and will help to present such fine diameter leader with the minimum of tangles. Hardy manufactures an awesome product that comes on handy spools including an elastic retainer. Clip a few together, stick them in a pocket and go fishing without worrying about yards of unruly tippet in your pocket!
Well balanced tackle is all very well but it can only be used effectively if the angler using it has a good knowledge of the Trouts diet. Check out spider's webs and the underneath of trees to find out what adult flies and terrestrial bugs are on offer. For sub surface nymphs and larva use a section of net curtain or similar stretched out over a net. Kick a few rocks around with the mesh held down stream and all manner of tasty Trout tempting morsels will be dislodged and captured. This allows for positive identification and makes choosing a relevant artificial far easier.
A set of polarised sunglasses is a must in any fly fishing situation to protect the eyes from a wayward cast while assisting the location of fish that are perfectly camouflaged. Finally throw a digital camera in an Aqua Pac and you are ready to enjoy a day's small stream fishing to remember!
