Typically, Dave, really high water tends to push the fishies to the edges where they can find relief in structure near the bank. That means the fish are more concentrated rather than more spread out. As the water level drops to post runoff conditions, the fish will spread out to their normal lies.

However, what might prove the best holding water for the fishies in runoff conditions may not be fishable for any number of reasons - one of which is the danger of falling into the river, which was fatal for a number of fishermen and kayakers on this river last summer.

You're right about finding them in soft water close to the bank. At the height of runoff, it was necessary to scout miles of river to only find yards of fishable water. But those few yards usually provided a bonanza. And those places kept changing as the flows dropped, which made each outing a challenge and different and very rewarding.

John