Rivers and streams connect every body of water around the world! Almost all of them have some sort of aquatic life including fish. However, it can be difficult to pin down where the fish are when the water is changing constantly.

riverside safety meeting with dog

SAFETY FIRST

Rivers and streams are a whole different monster compared to lakes and ponds. Sure some big lakes and get choppy waves with high winds, but after a big rain storm a small creek in the woods can turn into a roaring rapid of brown water. You need to always think about your safety first when fishing in rivers and streams. Always make sure someone knows the stretch of water you plan on fishing. Check the USGS website for live flow and height readings. Fish in pairs or groups when possible, and its never a bad idea to wear a life vest!

Check the water

Probably the most important thing about fishing in a river or stream is knowing the water. If you’re fishing local water its pretty easy to drive by and check on the current, depth, and clarity. That being said, if you plan a trip on a distant body of water it is always a good idea to check water stations at USGS.gov or call the local bait shop. No one wants to travel hours to a river thats raging high and muddy.

Gravel Banks

Gravel banks are found along many parts of the river, primarily areas of shallow and quick moving water. The benefit of fishing gravel banks is the water is typically clear, as the rocks filter out debris and small dirt particles pass on by due to fast moving water. This provides a good habitat for crayfish and insects, which means plenty of food for the fish. During spawning season for bass they often move to gravel banks in slower pockets of water to lay their eggs. They will feed aggressively on crayfish and small baitfish at this point.

small creek flowing through wooded area

Undercut Banks

If the creek/river has been high for a while and is finally down to a safe level and good clarity, you’ll notice some undercut banks. The rushing water erodes the banks, and if there is rigid vegetation like trees with healthy roots the top layer will stay together as the underside washes away. This creates an overhang over the water, providing a shaded shelter to the fish. They often hide in places like this on bright sunny days or if the water is super clear in order to hide from predators.

deep pool at the bottom of a waterfall

Deep Pools

Finding deep pools in a river or creek is not so easy to spot, sometimes it takes hours of walking the banks to find deep spots where the water is slow moving. If you look on topo maps sometimes you’ll find deep pools at the edge of a steep drop in the creek. Deep pools are incredibly important when fishing in the hot summer. In the afternoon, when the sun is hot, fish will head to the deepest, darkest, coolest water they can find.

blue water river runs through wooded area

intersecting tributaries

If you’re fishing a large river be sure to make time for fishing each tributary mouth that you come up on. Fish love to sit in these areas and let the food come to them. Tributaries often created eddies in the main river where fish can rest and ambush food as it comes down the current. If the tributary is muddy however go ahead and skip that area, fish will steer away from muddy water if possible because if they can’t eat what they can’t see.