Small streams should be fished from the bottom up, that is to say while walking upstream. This means you’ll generally be approaching trout from behind and are less likely to spook fish by rolling gravel or kicking silt down onto them, or having them hear your approach. One of the benefits to small stream trout angling is that the water is generally easy to read. Look for pools, current seams, mid-stream boulders and undercut banks as your primary holding water. Don’t spend an inordinate amount of time on any one pool or run, unless you’re consistently catching fish. If you believe you’ve effectively covered the best water in any one spot, and haven’t raised a fish, move on.
