Fishing new waters.

So we have all had no doubt a long and drawn out winter and now are relishing the opportunity to soon fish the streams, rivers and creeks with open season approaching (NSW waters open Saturday 5th October) - be familiar with the regulations in your State (NSW Dept of Primary Industry Fisheries - click here)

Travelling to and fishing new waters is one of the greatest joys of the fly fishing lifestyle, as the waters we fished prior to season close have changed over winter and should be approached as “new waters”.  There are a few simple things I do when fishing new waters that are essential for early success.

The Fundamental, is about trusting your wealth of experience, and drawing connections between the past and the present. The ability to read the water is essential when traveling to and fishing “new” water. These fly fishing past experiences from which to call upon, are a fly fishers most valuable resource we have when approaching an old but new or a brand new trout stream.

Trout generally will be found in certain places in the river, these places generally are where the current will not only bring them food, but the structure of the river or seams in the current which also allow them to to expend the least amount of energy and provide protection from predators. So look for these ideal river positions, no matter where you go.

The fly fisher that learns a few simple tricks will catch fish no matter where they travel. So take the time and examine the new water first, looking for the feeding lies. If the size of the river increases, look for both the bigger, broader versions of these feeding lies, but also look for the lie within the lie. Use and draw upon your previous experience, where you found feeding fish before. Look at the new water through this lens, and you will find the trout.

My best advice as a guide is target the spots that appear the most similar to places and water conditions you’ve found feeding fish in the past, as the aesthetics of trout streams offer wonderful diversity, the fundamental structure and current patterns aren’t all that different from place to place.

Don’t be like some anglers that will fish the same water, the same seasons, using the same method, over and again. I know there is comfort and security in repeated success, but go and seek out new water. Take the tricks you’ve learned along your home water with you on your next fly fishing trip, and trust that they will serve you well.

So go on adventure, its all about the journey and when doing so, don’t forget all the reasons behind your previous successes on that familiar water. Carry that knowledge with you on all your new adventures and you will very quickly feel more confident, using that former success as criteria for decision making when looking at that unknown river, creek or stream.

If you want to learn the basic fundamentals of knowing where to find trout, fishing with a Professional Fishing Guide will teach you these core basic skills: “the where, why and how”.

A day out with a Reel Fly Fishing Guide will turn what was an unknown stretch of water that may once have brought trepidation, to a now seductive sight of new “juicy water.”