Freezing Weather and Riverbank Angling

Erratic and fast wading can chase away lethargic fish just as sure as setting off a bomb

Timothy Kusherets

Erratic and fast wading can chase away fish just as sure as setting off a bomb anytime of the year especially in winter. During colder months of the year fish tend to gravitate right next to the bank and the second wading fishermen bolt into the river holding fish will head up or downriver and avoid that portion of the stream for hours before retuning and that’s only if the ignorant angler has left.
Ultimately were talking about making a fishable fishing area void of fish when it didn’t have to be; this is a different kind of “probing” technique that gets fish on the hook fast. Fish the edge of the river first and then subsequently cast out about every three feet until you’ve covered about half the width of the river before ever taking a single step into the water. I’ve seen fishermen hit into fish only a couple of feet out from the bank and it happens so often that you shouldn’t be shocked if it happens to you. You can be sure that as freezing levels persist that rivers will clear up an with that visibility of any given body of water, which is why it’s imperative to stay back from the river not only for sight, but for sound. Sound travels many times farther in water than it does in air and if you want to spook a fish erratic wading is the way to do it. When you can finally get into the river take the time to wade with the current and try to wade with half steps to minimize the sound sure to be created by the wake of your legs.
This fishing technique covers the water quickly and effectively. Remember, the more time fishing means more fish on the hook, especially when their not spooked out from prime fishing holds that can be as close as your feet.

© Timothy Kusherets 2007/08