How Dams, Geology and Hydrology Affect Trout Streams PART I By Jimmy D. Moore
First of all, Im not a fisheries biologist, a geologist nor a hydrologist. However, I hold a B.S. degree in Forest Management and took several elective courses in Fisheries, Hydrology and Geology. The extra coursework covered fish biology, stream geology and hydrology, so I knew a bit about my research in advance.
What you are about to read is the result of my constant learning process over the years regarding trout streams and why they act like they do. I recently finished compiling this bit of work and it has been invaluable to me in my quest to become a better trout angler. Being able to read a stream is just as valuable to an angler as the ability to read a defense is to a quarterback. I enjoy the study of trout streams and Im happy to share some my findings with you.
All who fish for trout, long for the perfect trout stream, searching for it continuously and those who find it treasure it the rest of their lives, while those who don't keep searching.
Perhaps perfect trout streams exist only in our dreams. Unlike my dreams about golf, where I can't hit a fairway, I actually catch trout in my fishing dreams! I thought once that Id found my "dream" stream because the fish were always eager to take my fly, probably because it wasn't fished much at all due to being a two-mile hike from the main road. It was my Perfect Stream for several years, but now the fishing isn't what it used to be.... I still love that old stream, but some idiot told a friend about it and his friend told a friend. You know the rest of the story.
A stream Ive never fished before always seems to be perfect according to the friend or acquaintance who introduced me to it. I suppose its the anticipation of the unknown, but when Im preparing to fish a new stream, I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve. Whats under the tree for me? What does the new stream have in store for me? What hatches are there? Will I catch anything? How big are the trout?
I have nearly as much fun getting ready to go fishing as doing the real fishing, especially if Im going to a new stream. Some of those perfect streams my friends introduced me to were the ones where upon my arrival I was told, Been a little slow the last few days. You should have been here last week. We had great hatches and nearly everyone caught their limit. For some reason, the fish always bite better either just before or just after Im there.
What would be the make-up of your perfect trout stream? Ill throw out a few of my suggestions for you. You can accept or reject them and come up with your own. However, I have a feeling that my and your ideas of the perfect trout stream will very similar.
The perfect stream must have breathtaking scenery, crystal clear water that rushes over rocks that line the stream bottom as it makes its way to a waterfall then cascades down into that deep blue pool where the big ones lie in wait. Its the trees and green grass that line the banks, the beautiful native wildflowers, the freshness of the air and the song of the native birds and the chatter of a squirrel as it darts along the stream bank looking for food and lastly, great trout fishing.
