Studying Game Tape
Coaches and players always study their previous game’s tape. What went right? And what went wrong? For us, our “tape” is more of a log of past time on the water. Recording flows, weather conditions, and other pertinent information and then reviewing that before our next trip can help us make better decisions on the water. Questions such as; Was the river rising or falling? Sunny or Cloudy? Clarity? Water Temp? Are all things that can and should be factored in to where and when to fish and what fly to use next time you are faced with similar conditions.
Pre-Game Strategy
The night before comes and its time to make a plan, rig your rod, and be ready. Where are you going to start in the morning? Your favorite piece of water in the world could be five minutes away. But if its right below a boat launch where half a dozen gear boats are likely to launch at first light it might be better to save it for evening. As an angler on foot, knowing where the boat crowds will be in the morning and in the evening can help you plan around them and have your own rested water. Knowing what time the sun strikes a certain run in the morning or falls into shade in the evening can help you plan your day to keep your fly in fishy water.
Halftime Adjustments
Things don’t always go as planned. In fact, they rarely do. Conditions change, other anglers in your spots, the list goes on. Adjusting is always part of the game. Having a backup plan is key. If someone is in your first choice run, what’s next so you are not wandering around like a lost puppy. If its pouring rain and the river is on its way out, is there a spot way downstream ahead of the mud that can give you one last shot, or a cleaner tributary that might keep one particular run a little clearer than the rest?
What if the morning fog has burned off and the day is bright and hot? Maybe I need to change to a little more subtle fly? Or go find a shaded run?