Spring strategies for wading streams with no bank access

[PaScoGi]

Was looking for suggestions on how to fish trout streams in the spring that do not have access from the banks. The streams I am talking about are medium sized stocked trout streams that flow deep through a mountain forest. Looking at the stocking list, they must dump the buckets of trout at a bridge and hope the trout swim up or downstream. Freestone streams with no wild trout or limestone influence. Basically, I have to park at the bridge and then walk the stream upstream by wading. The banks of the stream are 10 feet tall and lined with trees and thick brush. In other words, it is impossible to stand and cast from outside of the water.

The first section has a line of large rocks (about 1 foot high, not big boulders) and there are riffles right after the rocks. Usually I start off with a soft hackle or bugger and just swing through the riffles, (facing upstream), first casting left, then center, then right. The stream is shallow enough for me to wade in the middle during normal flows. The water is about at my thighs at the deepest part. How should I nymph this section? Also, how is it possible to see a trout rising in riffles? Must be my poor eyesight, because I can never see trout rising in the white rapids. How do you fish dry flies in riffles?

The next section is a slow, flat pool. Again, it would be great if I could exit the water and cast from the side on the bank as to not spook the trout. But I cant so I wade through and skip this water. How do you switch nymphing strategies going from fast riffles to slow pools? Should I completely change my leader just for this section? Dry flies are much easier to see in slow pools, but I suspect the problem is the trout have more time to slowly inspect my dry fly and refuse it. Should I switch to a smaller fly or longer leader just for this section? Also, how do I know to fish catskills or parachute style mayfly dry flies? I usually fish heavily hackled patterns in the riffles and then parachute style in the slow pools. Not sure if there is another style I should be trying.

The next section is like the first, rocks and riffles and fast water. Then the section above that is another pool. And so on and so on, you get the point. Basically I have only been catching trout on soft hackles and buggers on this stream, but would like to learn how to nymph fish it and dry fly fish it, possible both type of sections, fast and slow water.

Thanks for any help. Just looking to see if anyone comes across these type of streams and how to approach them when there is no walking access along the stream to get out of the water.

 

[tomgamber]

If trudging up stream is your only recourse. Then that's what ya do.

 

[dryflyguy]

Yep
Just like fishing a small stream.
Start at the bottom, staying below your target area enough to be out of sight and not spook the fish.
I usually start laying casts into the tail just above where it spills into the next riffle.
After covering that lower area, I slowly move up - moving just 1-2 steps at a time, then stopping
Trying not to put ripples upstream.

The idea is to catch the lower fish first, before moving in to where they are/were, to fish further up
Of course, sometimes you dont catch them.
Or there are fish that you just didn't see, until they spook.

But if you cant get in at the sides, that's the way it is

Sometimes, it might be better to get in above and fish down to them.
But then you risk stirring up sediment and sending it down through the fish.
And the fish, which are usually facing upstream, are more apt to see you
I prefer to fish from below

 

[Tabasco-Joe]

If I'm fishing a stocked stream early in the season I generally try to start well below the stocking point and work up to it. In my experience stocked trout will often find a hole near where they are put in and brood for a week or so. Once they spread out, I have found a higher percentage move downstream as opposed to upstream.
BTW, I always would prefer to wade. You usually have a better chance to position your cast. Especially if you aren't ambidextrous with you fly rod.

 

[dudemanspecial]

Yep
Just like fishing a small stream.
Start at the bottom, staying below your target area enough to be out of sight and not spook the fish.
I usually start laying casts into the tail just above where it spills into the next riffle.
After covering that lower area, I slowly move up - moving just 1-2 steps at a time, then stopping
Trying not to put ripples upstream.

The idea is to catch the lower fish first, before moving in to where they are/were, to fish further up
Of course, sometimes you dont catch them.
Or there are fish that you just didn't see, until they spook.

But if you cant get in at the sides, that's the way it is

Sometimes, it might be better to get in above and fish down to them.
But then you risk stirring up sediment and sending it down through the fish.
And the fish, which are usually facing upstream, are more apt to see you
I prefer to fish from below

Agreed, I like fishing downstream on bigger water whenever possible but smaller mountain streams and cricks this is the way.

 

[wildtrout2]

Sounds like your ONLY option is fishing up through the stream, if the sides are too high/steep. I've never encountered that situation.