Reading Water For Spring.

[spinner1]

The last week this season three anglers had encounters with a really big trout in this
hole.
I was looking at this hole last night and thinking?

Is this hole a transitional hole for spawn or is this hole this big trout's home?

Will that big trout be there in March when it is cold. Will it "winter" in that hole.

You really can't tell from this photo above but the photo below tells me what I want to know.


The structure in the hole is much more obvious in this photo.

The appearance of "too" strong of current in this hole tells me this hole is "NOT" where this trout will winter.

Trout in winter want a slow current where they can hold tight to the bottom and exert as little amount of

energy as possible to stay in place during the frigid winter months.

This monster trout will not be in this hole in the spring.

It could have come from miles away with the spawning itch or it may be in a slower moving deep hole

in the general vicinity. What are your thoughts?

[sagefisher]

You know your streams so you would know if there are better and deeper holes for the fish to winter in. I agree that the fish want to be deep, on the Clark Fork River in western Montana, I will nymph with 13 or more feet of leader below my strike indicator since the fish are in the deepest portions of the river, near structure.

I do see a little ledge in that hole so some fish may tuck in against that ledge but if there are deeper holes in the area with some good structure to hide under, that is where the bigger fish will be. They want soft water that carries plenty of food. The big fish have to eat at least 3 times a day during the winter. The little fish can get away with just one feeding, so you stand a better chance of catching a larger trout during the winter months.

Larry ---sagefisher---

[EdD]

I'm surious how much current there is at the bottom of the pool. If there is a calm zone right beneath the current, that could be an ideal feeding spot. Now only does teh current carry food past, but some of those articles might drop down into the calmer water. If there is a strong, Spring thaw, the current might scour the pool and so keep it from silting. That would be the time when there would be fewer fish, I would think.

Ed

[spinner1]

I also think the lack of trees on the bank would make the trout feel exposed. Little stupid ones will stay in such areas through winter..BUT....an old wise trout sees this hole as a transition area.