Deep Pools

[TRZ]

I have been fishing alot of SE MN streams since the opener. i have had some success in med. depth pools but have not caught a fish in pools that i can't see the bottom. do they move into them when the water gets warmer? was also wondering if it is legal to use minnows in MN streams, i know it is not in WI.

[Stratosman]

I have had my best luck in deeper pools this year so far, but not dead water pools, there must some decent current flowing into the pool it seems.

I believe it is only illegal in lakes stocked with stream trout, as far as I know, streams are okay.

[WxGuy]

How are you fishing the deeper holes right now?

Sometimes it's a matter of not getting down to their feeding lane, as they might not want to move up to grab anything.

[d.roy]

I've been wanting to get to the deep pools and have been using split shot more and more lately. I'm wondering what kind of split shot others like to use. I've been using lead round split shot, the kind without the wings (thinking that the wings might create unwanted drag and spin in the water). Works great for putting it on but is a pain to get off without damaging the line. Does anyone have a favorite kind of shot that allows for a quick change for different sizes or no shot at all?? How about lead alternatives?

[A Fly Angler]

Dinsmore shot is great (no wings either).

[d.roy]

Available at any good fly shop??

[WxGuy]

A buddy of mine uses that stuff. Square container?

Currently I've been using a pouch of water gremlin lead shot, but I think I might switch over to dinsmore so I can have easily accessible variety in shot size.

d.roy, I think it is available at some fly shops, but probably easiest to find on-line. The "world's foremost outfitter" carries them.

[d.roy]

Great - I plan on making a trip to that particular outfitter tonight, I'll have to check those weights out. I've been using the pouch shot too and have found that one size fits all mentality doesn't work well for me either. Thanks for the info.

As for the original question about fish moving into deeper pools as the water warms, this does happen. Its been my experience that as the season progresses, smaller fish can be found in smaller faster water (shallow runs and riffles, esp. with some shade) while larger fish can be in areas with better (bigger) food and cover, ie deeper pools, log jams, and bank undercuts. Deeper pools offer both good cover and better food in that the fish are better protected from predators in deeper water and they have a fresh supply of minnows and other small fish to prey on. My favorite deep pools have a good run or riffle section right above them dumping this fresh supply of food to the trout lying and waiting in the pool. I wish I were working one of these right now These are the fish I'd like to contact more with the added weight - can't contact them without the weight.

[A Fly Angler]

Dinsmore is a bit pricey when compared to the other low end weight that you can buy. But, it is green shot that literally will not slide on your line period. If you're careful, you can reuse the shot as well.

If you're fly fishing deep pools, use lots of weight and take of your indicator to get way down. Indicator free fishing is tough because you have to watch the subtleties of your line and tippet to detect a strike. Your other option is to high stick and keep in contact and pick up the bite that way. Giving a little lift at the end of the pool to give your fly an emerging effect is a great way to fish.

If the food starts filtering through, those fish (big and small) have a tendency to move out of their deeper lies right up into the riffle head. They are fairly protected from predators in the quicker water as the predators don't see them very well.

[-Marc V-]

Has anybody used the putty weight? Was wondering pro's and con's of that.

[WxGuy]

I've got some in my vest, but I have yet to use it. It appears that it could be a pain in the rear. I'll give it a try though and see how well it works. I would imagine that one of the positives would be varying how much weight you use with more ease.

[A Fly Angler]

I've used it a few times. I like its potential as a reusable weight, but they certainly have not perfected it yet. It's either too hard or too mushy in my opinion.