Fall is the season for getting outside and pulling up some of nature’s most beautiful fish, whether you’re looking for legendary Alaska fish species, like king salmon, in the Kenai River, or angling for something closer to home. As you probably realize, fall is the time when many species, from trout to salmon, are moving up rivers to spawn, making it the perfect time to try and catch some prize fish. Of course, you won’t be able to catch anything if you don’t know how to fish in a river.
Because rivers are far more active bodies of water than creeks and lakes, for example, they play home to a variety of far more active fish species. That means the techniques you use on different types of fish in Alaska’s rivers has to differ from those you use in a less dynamic body of water. If you’re one of the many anglers who has no idea how to adapt to this more active style of fishing, here are just a few tips to help.
How to Make Your Upcoming River Fishing Excursion Enjoyable and Successful
- Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Personal Comfort
- Study River Fishing Techniques Beforehand
- Learn a Bit About Fish Biology
Gear is obviously crucial to any successful fishing, but when it comes to fishing in the river, you need a lot more than specialized river fishing rods to get the job done. The bulk of river fishing takes place in shallower areas of water, rendering boats useless. That’s why the online fishing guide Fishing Tips Depot recommends you equip yourself with the proper equipment that will allow you to be comfortable while you’re standing knee deep in your target zone. Rubber waders and a waterproof jacket will go a long way in helping you stay dry and warm, while getting you closer to your prey. Staying comfortable means you’ll be able to have longer and more enjoyable outings with your friends and family.
If you’re used to trawling or set-it-and-forget-it style fishing, you’re going to have a hard time catching anything in the river. Studying river fishing techniques, from fly-fishing inspired reeling to proper casting technique, beforehand can help you be ready from the first cast, so you don’t have to spend your entire day just figuring out how to throw and pull your line.
For HowStuffWorks, one of the best things you can do to become a more adept river angler is study fish biology. By learning how fish act in certain weather or where they like to hang out during the day, you greatly increase your chances of getting dinner. For instance, trout are known to like hanging out in shallow areas with high current speed, often referred to as the riffles. Knowing this from the start, you’ll know exactly where you should be putting your casts each and every time.
Are you an expert when it comes to river fishing? What are some of the river fishing techniques you’d recommend to our other readers? Let us know in the comments below. Visit here for more.
