[phisherman23]

With Spring soon approaching, the inevitable snow-melt is only weeks away. Out here in Colorado, our snow-pack levels in the mountains are at over 160% in some areas (!!), and averaging around 120%. This means big water come April-May. I've had a really tough time trying to fish the rivers this time of year for several reasons. The main one being the battle against the swift current can seem suicidal. But also, it can be really tough to find pocket water that's moving slow enough to get a good drift. Anyone have any thoughts on how to fish in these types of conditions? I know the fish are feeding like crazy, and after months off the river, I'm joneseing to get one on the line. It kills me to have to wait until the rivers slow...this year it might not be 'til June!

[birdman]

Fishing fast water is tough at best Phisherman. I personally like to target rivers before runoff gets rivers flowing too fast. During high runoff periods, concentrate your efforts on high alpine lakes that are icing off. Fishing can be spectacular in these remote lakes when water is beginning to open. You probably won't catch any monster trout, but the fight they'll put up and their beautiful coloration will more than make up for size. I would get in contact with a reputable fly shop in your area and keep up to date on what elevation the guides have been seeing open water at. Make sure and go prepared on your high alpine excursions as weather is very unpredicatable that time of year..