Fishing Articles
Fish Tracks
Timothy Kusherets
Did you ever wonder why anadromous fish are found near
the riverbed more than any other depth while they migrate? The depth
of each species out in the open ocean varies greatly with a range of
15 to 65 feet on average but that all changes the moment they hit fresh
water systems. They swim as deeply as they do to hide from predation,
extreme currents, and debris that otherwise could easily be avoided
in the open ocean.
Migrating anadromous fish leave tracks that anglers will be able to
see on the riverbed. Disturbances along the riverbed run parallel to
the banks can be seen each time a school of fish passes by indicating
a run of fish.
In most cases, algae forms on gravel, sand, and rocks as rivers fall
and stabilize but as fish travel over those stable areas they leave
tell-tale signs that they’re in the area even if you can’t
see salmon or steelhead. It is the undulations of the body and tail
moving back and forth that create the tracks. It is the same movement
that creates the tracks regardless of the river it’s in.
Fishermen can inadvertently move fish from those areas they would rather
gravitate by pressuring them into deeper slots and holds; most of the
time the easiest way to pressure them out is for fishermen to get in
the water. Getting into water that fish want to hold in is just about
the same as chasing fish. It doesn’t work.
The tracks fish leave behind can be seen from shore without the aid
of polarized glasses so if you know what to look for, try fishing from
the bank away from the water before getting into it.
Rivers that haven’t had measurable precipitation for an extended
period of time are rivers to fish first. Stabilizing rivers after a freshet
are the next best areas to stalk. Rivers that have had a recent freshet
will be void of tracks completely.
© Timothy Kusherets, 2004/09 |
