Hi Folks,

I would like to get some help on reading water. I know where and how in lakes, and the saltwater, but rivers are a complete mystery to me. I usually just go where everyone else is, and I do okay, sometimes.

What are some of the things that you look for in a particular piece of water? Do you fish the top, middle or tailout of a deep hole? Do you ever fish the riffles? Do you ever fish the deep chutes with fast water next to a shallow riffle section? Where in a long slow run would you concentrate your efforts, or would you just pass it by? Methods would help as well. I'm not asking for your secrets, just some basic knowledge to build from.

I am thinking of fishing the Chehalis, Wynoochee, Cowlitz, and a few others this winter, so I am trying not to look like a total gomer. That can require quite an effort, sometimes.

Most of my fishing will be from the bank, but I have a small boat that I can take out in some of the "frog water" as well.

Thanks in advance for your knowledge,

Andy