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Riffles, Runs, Pocket Water, and More: A Comprehensive Guide from Orvis Guides

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Published in The Orvis Streamside Guide To Approach And Presentation: Riffles Runs Pocket Water And Much More (Orvis Guides)

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Fly fishing is an art form that requires a deep understanding of the water you're fishing. Different types of water present unique challenges and opportunities for anglers, and being able to identify and fish them effectively is essential for success. In this comprehensive guide, Orvis Guides will delve into the intricacies of riffles, runs, pocket water, and other water types, providing you with the knowledge and techniques you need to maximize your fishing experience.

The Orvis Streamside Guide to Approach and Presentation: Riffles, Runs, Pocket Water, and Much More (Orvis Guides)

by Tom Rosenbauer

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2222 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	113 pages

Riffles

Riffles are shallow, turbulent areas of water created by rocks or other obstructions breaking the flow of the river. The fast-moving water in riffles creates surface currents and eddies that provide excellent hiding places for trout. Riffles are often found at the head of pools and can be fished effectively with a variety of techniques, including:

Nymphing: Drifting a nymph or streamer through the riffle, keeping it close to the bottom.
Dry fly fishing: Casting a dry fly to the surface currents and letting it drift naturally.
Streamer fishing: Casting a weighted streamer across the riffle and retrieving it with short strips.

Runs

Runs are areas of deeper, faster-moving water that often flow along the outside bends of rivers. Runs provide holding water for trout and can be fished effectively with a variety of techniques, including:

Nymphing: Drifting a nymph or streamer through the run, keeping it just off the bottom.
Dry fly fishing: Casting a dry fly to the edges of the run and letting it drift naturally.
Streamer fishing: Casting a weighted streamer across the run and retrieving it with long, slow strips.

Pocket Water

Pocket water is a type of broken water that occurs when the river flows around boulders or other obstacles. Pocket water creates pockets of slower, deeper water that provide excellent holding areas for trout. Pocket water can be fished effectively with a variety of techniques, including:

Nymphing: Drifting a nymph or streamer through the pocket water, keeping it close to the bottom.
Dry fly fishing: Casting a dry fly to the edges of the pocket water and letting it drift naturally.
Streamer fishing: Casting a weighted streamer into the pocket water and retrieving it with short, sharp strips.

Other Water Types

In addition to riffles, runs, and pocket water, there are a variety of other water types that fly anglers may encounter, including:

Pools: Deep, slow-moving areas of water that often hold large trout.
Tailouts: The shallow, fast-moving water at the end of a pool.
Glides: Smooth, slow-moving stretches of water that often connect pools.
Backwaters: Slow-moving areas of water that are often found behind islands or other obstacles.

Understanding the different types of water in a river is essential for fly fishing success. By being able to identify and fish each type of water effectively, you can increase your chances of catching trout and enhance your overall fishing experience. The knowledge and techniques provided in this guide will help you become a more well-rounded fly angler and unlock the full potential of your favorite fishing waters.

The Orvis Streamside Guide to Approach and Presentation: Riffles, Runs, Pocket Water, and Much More (Orvis Guides)

by Tom Rosenbauer

4.6 out of 5