A Stealthy Approach
There are a few things I have in mind as I'm walking up to a stream, especially on my first approach. Most obviously, don't spook the trout! They can be spooked by the sight of you or by the vibrations of you walking over them. Most of my small streams have deep cuts under the banks where trout like to hide, and they can feel your steps as you're walking above them. Instead of walking along the bank’s edge, move away from the stream to hike up or down stream, and then move in to take your cast...walk softly, and out of view of the trout. For streams with tall banks, I’ll use the grassy bank to block the trout’s view of me when casting. And, I have no hesitation to get on my knees to remain out of the trout’s view while casting, even at my golden age. A few of my streams on Rainy Mountain cannot be waded, or you will see trout darting in all directions with your first step into the water. I only wade when necessary...many of these little Rio’s are narrow enough to cast a f...
