Geology of fly fishing

[GeoB]

A friend in Idaho remarked recently on the effect of geology on fly fishing. It made enough sense that I asked M. Google about it and found this very good article (http://midcurrent.com/techniques/rich-and-poor-trout-streams/).

Among other things it helps explain why the Pit River can be considered by some to be an excellent fishery. The near-constant flows and water temperatures allow fish to eat reasonably well all year. Makes for fat and happy trout. Fat & happy fishing folk not so much.

[Larry S]

GeoB,
Read that same article. Great post! I've often wondered how fishing would change if we could remove all of
the unnecessary dams; plantings, regulations, etc.
Thanks for posting.
Larry S

[SeanO]

Very cool GeoB!

Due to the differences in stream geology (habitat) and the natal homing ability of salmonids, the fish can show some pretty cool local adaptations (genetics)!

The Fall river in Shasta county is a pretty cool example. Bear creek is a seasonal creek dependent on rain and snowmelt whereas other water inputs are constant volume springs. The trout are adapted to each place and return to their birth location over and over.

In this case, although Bear creek provides just a tiny fraction of water to the Fall river, it produces ~30% of the fish. Must be something good in the creek!

Take care,