For anyone that’s new to fishing in rivers and streams it’s important to understand the basics. In this article I will use my 20 plus years of river fishing experience to outline some of the basics of fishing in the flowing waters of both rivers and streams. Fishing in rivers and streams while wading is my preferred method of fishing and I wish I would have been told these basics of fishing when I was just starting out. Knowing this information would have saved a ton of time in trail and error.

The first thing to keep in mind in rivers & streams is that wading will be necessary. This means that a pair of waders will more than likely have to be used. Are waders a must? No, waders aren’t completely necessary, especially in warm weather, but waders do make you much more comfortable. One of the basics of fishing in rivers & streams is to wear a decent pair of waders.

The next thing to keep in mind is the species of fish you are trying to catch and match your gear to the size and species of fish. If you are fishing for trout or smallmouth bass, ultra light gear is a great idea. If you are trying to catch steelhead or salmon medium to medium heavy action gear should be employed. By ‘fishing gear’ I’m obviously referring to your rod and reel, but your line should also be included when referring to ‘fishing gear’ and river & stream fishing.

Another of the basics of fishing in rivers and streams is to use line that’s as light as possible. In other words you also want to match your line to the species of fish you intend to catch as well. For example when fishing for trout and smallmouth 4-6 pound line is perfect. When fishing for steelhead, 8-12 pound line is probably in order (if not heavier). Match your fishing line to the species of fish and size of fish you intend to catch as well. The bottom line is that many river and stream fishermen use fishing line that’s entirely too heavy, and this mistakes costs them bites.

The next of the basics of fishing is to always make sure that you are on the water at the most opportune times. Being on the water when the fish are the most active will make you a much more successful angler. As a matter of fact this rule goes for all fishing, not just river & stream fishing. Being on the water at the most opportune times can be accomplished by simply learning the simple ways the weather and moon influence fish behavior.

These simple basics will help you become a much better river & stream angler. Add these simple tips to your arsenal sooner, rather than later. They will save you a ton of valuable time.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.

source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Kugler

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