If a tree falls in a desolate forest stream, does the screaming drag make a sound?
Those who fish small streams and creeks for trout are all too familiar with fallen trees and log jams within a flow. Their effect on fishing can be a double-edged sword in that they are natural entity that can help create current breaks, deeper pools and hiding spots for trout, yet in the same breath they make hiking and fishing along streams very difficult, especially if they are prevalent and continue to pop up along a fishing hike.
Although trees along the periphery of a creek may fall any time, they usually do so when the ground is wet and the wind is substantial. Remnants of hurricanes that blast through Appalachia are prime examples of the waterways getting inundated with fallen timber that completely changes the complexion of a fishing destination. If trails are maintained by park rangers, eventually the logs will get cut by chainsaws enough to allow hiking to resume unhindered. Still, there are only so many chainsaws heading into the forest and many more waters aren’t monitored for hiking access. What’s more, the forest service does not cut lumber lying across a creek bed so it’s only useful for fishing and hiking trails.
Large trees that lie across a stream will cause water to divert or go beneath the tree, with gullies and pools forming due to the scouring effect of the water flow alteration. The trout readily adapt to their newfound feeding location that also provides some stealth. Anglers that can access these spots from the stream’s contours without spooking fish will do best.
At times, multiple trees may lie in succession with 5 to 10 feet between them. Casting into these spots, whether it be a fly or a spinner, is quite difficult. But anglers that present baits from the side have a reasonable chance of putting their offering in the red zone. Another method is to drift a fly down into the fallen timber provided there aren’t annoying branches associated with the target spot. Casting lures is more difficult and require sideway casting of sorts. Changing to a trout magnet or related bait that can be drifted and twitched works well where spinners are tough to employ.
Log jams function as a natural dam on a waterway. Logs, branches, leaves and twigs all get pushed together at a given juncture of a stream. They usually create a small entry right in front as the water enters the jam. Anglers that can place a presentation precisely in this spot often stimulate a fish to dart out for the food. Drag must be adjusted to the tighter side because the trout will attempt to swim back into the cluster where the angler is almost certain to lose the fish, lure or fly.
Within a log jam, there are often pockets that can barely receive a cast and require a fisherman to dap a lure into the fray. They are usually very deep compared to the surrounding stream. Some of the biggest trout on the stream prefer these ambush location so anglers should expect a larger specimen to lunge for the bait. The harder it is to drop a bait into the maze of timber, the more likely the spot hasn’t received pressure and is capable of holding a big fish. Again, stronger line and tighter drag might be the best way to catch a trout in a hole like this. Or fishermen can try to pull the trout from the water before it accelerates toward the cover therefore mitigating its speed and strength.
If a large log allows one to walk or even crawl above a hole in the log jam, it must be accomplished in full stealth before presenting a bait. Logs can be slippery and dangerous so the scenario has to be ideal and the fisherman has to have good balance and be in quality physical condition. Full disclosure: I receive lots of swipes, bites and looks from trout this way, but actually landing them is the challenge. On the down current side of a log jam, deep pools form that have better access for all kinds of casting. Anglers that hike below the dam and then hike upstream have the best opportunity to maneuver an offering to the sweet spot. Again, larger trout like these domains so be ready to muscle a fish away from treachery.
The fishing opportunities created by fallen lumber exist throughout the trout fishing region. The chances of catching a gorgeous, wild brown or native brook trout make the effort and perspiration worth it.
