How to Become a Better Angler without Leaving Your House

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” Heraclitus

                I am sure most of you have heard this famous quote before, but what does he mean? With moving water one thing reminds a constant. The river is an ever changing ecosystem. Weather and flows, which is measured by cubic feet per second (CFS), are changing day to day. Water temperatures are constantly fluctuating. Time of day and even the presence of other fishermen or animals will change the dynamic. Not to be forgotten, current hatches and the size or presence of baitfish or other small fish in the system are factors that will play a part in where trout will lie and feed throughout the day.

                So what can we do as fisherman before and after each day on the water to make sure we are getting the most out of every day on the water? Observe and Report. No, I am not talking about the mediocre Seth Rogan movie for over a decade ago. It’s quite simple honestly. Check the CFS on your local waters on a state ran site, take water temperatures throughout the day, look at spider webs for trapped flies, annotate hatches you see and keep track of where you are seeing and catching fish throughout the day and on what. One key thing is if you are seeing fish’s lies or feeding habits change throughout the day, annotate the water’s temperature.

                The key is to then annotate this information in a simple format at home. This information can then be used for future days on the water. By simply building your own database in your own words, you are constructing your own personal River Report, which suits your fishing style and not a generic fishing report that maybe a month old on a fly shop’s website. Plus if you only have 3 hours one day a week, you can target the best time to go fishing based off past trips.

                 Before every day on the water, I check my historical data. This gives me an idea which rivers will be fishing the best or which types of water. I can also ensure I have flies that worked under these same conditions. This gives me confidence before I even step a foot out the door. Because I know I am going to productive water, I have an idea of what should be hatching. I will have flies in the appropriate size, color, shape and weight to fish for the day.

                I personally use an excel spreadsheet. This way I can make a tab for each river I fish and compare them to other rivers when deciding on where and when to fish. The key is to make it your own. Something you will actually do and reference in the future.

May your lines be tight and your drag humming.

 Eric Poppitz