[Alex C.]

Okay, we just had some warm weather and the waer levels shot up. Is that the time to get on the water, or is it better when the levels come back down? Or is there a better scenario?

[Kodiak Commando]

I don't know what species you are fishing for or what type of water you are fishing. In my experience in rivers for salmon,trout and steelhead if the water levels rise the best time to fish is right after the water reaches it's highest point and starts to receed. Generally it does not affect my lake fishing as much as rivers.

[steeldrifter]

Agree with KC. On rivers the best time to fish on on the receeding swing of the flow. As its climbing the fish are moving into their highwater positions and the water has less visability to it as its rising. As it falls the fish have become adapted and the temp will usually stabalize as well as visability and the fish will become more active.

SD

[Alex C.]

So as soon as the river level peaks and starts to fall, and, visibility improves should be good fishing?

[Kodiak Commando]

Steeldrifter has the best explanation for the reasons receeding water is better. Probably another factor for salmon, especiall kings,silver and reds is when the water is rising fast the fish take advantage and shoot up river and don't hold much. When the water starts to receed the fish sense in and slow down and hold more. A good rule of thumb is to always fish river salmon that are hoding and relaxed for they are much more likely to bite.

[steeldrifter]

[Alex C.]

So, lets say we're after rainbows/steelhead, and the water level has fallen back to it's normal level. Are they probably holding in deeper water now?

[pennscreekrules]

I agree that falling water is best. Don't let muddy water discourge you. I've caught some of my nicer trout when the water looked like chocolate milk using nymphs.

[steeldrifter]

More than just water level plays a role in where they will be at a given time, but if the water has risin and is already back to normal levels then they will be in the normal holding lies.

[Alex C.]

[steeldrifter]

Thats explanation could take up an entire book....wait a minute, it has

Lots will play a factor in where to look for them such as water depth,water&air temps, location of spawing gravel, time of year (i.e spring run or fall run) structure, fisherman pressure, sunny or cloudy skies.

You mentioned steelhead some i'm guessing your looking for spring run steelies. if thats the case then the fish will be in the river to spawn in the spring so your best best to find them during the day wouls be to locate some shallow spawning gravel then fish the first hole downstream from the gravel. the fish will usually hold in the first hole during the daylight hours and wait for the cover of less fisherman and darkness to move up on the to gravel.

SD

[Kodiak Commando]

I agree that you shouldn't let water level discourage you, you can catch fish whatever the water level. I always follow the saying, "The best time to fish in whenever you can."