The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast

14 Tips for Spring Creek Fishing, with Brant Oswald

Nov 4, 2024

Brant Oswald, a veteran guide and fly shop operator with over 40 years of experience, shares invaluable insights into spring creek fishing. He discusses unique techniques tailored for slow water conditions, emphasizing careful observation and adaptability. Oswald addresses common angler frustrations, including reel balance and fish behavior toward strike indicators. He also offers practical tips on wader care, trout behavior in varying water levels, and the importance of matching the hatch for successful fishing.

01:29:18

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Episode guests

Brant Oswald

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Observing the water and surroundings patiently before fishing is essential to identify fish locations and avoid spooking them.

Understanding peak fishing times and taking strategic breaks can help anglers maximize their effectiveness during active feeding periods.

Mastering precise casting techniques, such as the reach cast, is crucial for presenting flies effectively in clear, slow waters.

Deep dives

Importance of Observation

Taking time to observe the water and surroundings before fishing is crucial in Spring Creek fishing. Instead of rushing into the water, a careful angler should stand back, watch for rising fish, and assess the feeding patterns before making any moves. This patience in observing can reveal fish locations and behaviors that might otherwise be missed. By being more deliberate, anglers can ensure that they do not spook fish and can improve their chances of a successful catch.

Intro

2min

Balancing Tradition and Innovation in Fly Fishing

2min

Reel Balance and Solutions for Strike Indicator Issues

3min

Mastering Fishing Techniques and Guidance

10min

Trout Behavior and Wader Care: Insights for Anglers

6min

Mastering Spring Creek Fishing

24min

Fishing Insights for Aging Anglers

18min

Mastering Spring Creek Fishing

24min

Brant Oswald [23:20] is a veteran guide, teacher, and fly shop operator with over 40 years in the business. He's one of the best spring creek anglers I know and guides on them almost every day, so I asked him to come up with some tips on better spring creek techniques. Even if you never fish spring creeks, his tips really apply to any slow or low water situations so these tips will be valuable to any trout angler. In the Fly Box this week, we have the usual great tips and questions, including:

I have an old, heavy bamboo rod. I can't reel heavy enough to balance it. Is the balance between a rod and reel weight really that important?
I am frustrated with fish eating my strike indicator. Should I tie a big egg pattern to act as a strike indicator?
A suggestion for making a great cat toy out of old flies (with the hook cut off!) and a question about the use of cat hair in tying flies.
What is the proper way to prevent drag? Should I mend my entire line or just the leader?
A tip from a listener on how to keep fly line from wrapping around your rod tip.
A tip from a listener on the best way to hang up your waders for the season.
Why do waders often fail at the junction between the bootie and the upper?
I just bought a drift boat and want to learn how to row. Should I hire a guide to take lessons on rowing?
How do trout behave when the water gets higher and dirtier?

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The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast

14 Tips for Spring Creek Fishing, with Brant Oswald

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Importance of Observation

Understanding Fishing Peaks

Casting Techniques for Success

Reading Rise Forms

The Art of Sight Fishing

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts