Fishing new water is always exciting. Particularly when there is a high degree of certainty that there will be plenty of trout, exploration is enjoyable. A recent morning on a new stretch of river was filled with probing undercut banks and drifts through deep runs. Slow and deliberate observation was the ticket to identifying spots and staying inconspicuous. Upon turning a bank in the creek, I saw a hole that obviously held a fish.
The only problem was that it was virtually inaccessible. Virtually, not completely. But it was going to be a challenge. There were two large logs forming an “x” across the creek. Debris had piled up at the center axis, which also happened to be right over the deep, dark hole on the same bank as me. That was my target.
I’ve caught plenty of trout out of virtually inaccessible spots. Each time it requires some significant planning, positioning, and, ultimately, being the beneficiary of circumstance. I’ve also botched plenty of legitimate chances at good fish holding in complex situations. Bad casts, bad drifts, bad back casts, bad rod positioning, bad footing, and bad approaches have led to plenty of spooked and lost fish. Some trout aren’t going to be caught. Others can be, but it takes a little bit of work.
Here are four things to think about when it comes to spots that force truly challenging presentations: