Salomone: Worms in high water

 The Eagle River is pushing a lot of water downstream. Runoff scrubs debris into the river which gives the water a thin coffee and cream appearance. While the upper Eagle River above Wolcott carries a somewhat cleaner look, the whole river is bound to turn ugly as the runoff increases. Caught up in the midst of the tumbling currents are all sorts of food for trout. One of the sources is a tempting morsel that doesn’t belong in the water and throws homage to childhood angling adventures, worms.

Red worms, often referred to as red wigglers, are small and active. They squirm after settling to the river bottom and offer a “too good to pass up” meal. The curling, searching action from the ends beckons a trout to investigate the motion. Their subtle action tempts trout into eating.

Large, earthen banks fall into the river with the repeated erosion river water creates. An expected increase in river flow for the near future will only enhance the prevalence of small red worms and large earthworms in the river. Tree roots are worked loose along the riverbank and fall into the running water. The mount of dirt and debris encrusted in the root ball is full of worms that are suddenly washed into the river. It isn’t just eroded banks that disclose the highly desirable food source.

Persistent wear on the riverbed will displace worms as well from rock movement. When large rocks are coaxed into moving the surrounding debris consisting of leaves, dirt and gravel dislodges worms as well. All of this eroding activity causes increased discoloration in the river water.

Red, pink, tan, brown, purple and gaudy chartreuse make for attractive worm imitation colors. Red is the natural tone for when water still possesses some clarity. Pink represents a worm that has seen a bit of waterlogging from increased exposure to the river. Tan is a dead worm that has succumbed to overexposure in water. Brown is a natural color that holds an enticing silhouette in darker colored water. Purple as it moves with the current, appears more active in the light diffusion that increases with depth.

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The displacement runoff creates, places the unnatural and misplaced food source at the mercy of trout that possess a proficiency for negotiating swift currents with ease. A food source with the lack of locomotion is unable to escape. Worms can not burrow into the mud or river bottom with enough speed to evade being devoured.

A worm of any size, whether thick earthworm or bite-sized red worm, tumbles in the spate providing easy targets for trout in great need of sustenance. It takes a lot of energy to combat the rugged, heavy water that comes with runoff. Trout are looking for an easy to capture, high protein food source. Trout are always on the forage at this time of year.

Presentation is fairly simple, get it down deep. Rocks should be felt regularly during a drift. Adjust your strike indicator as depths vary to maintain maximum attention to takes, a term used to signify a trout has eaten. Weights may need adjustment to prevent complete hangups and fly loss. A large strike indicator is preferred for easy tracking on rough surface water. Large, buoyant indicators also assist in keeping your flies from snagging.

This is deep water nymphing with heavy rigging and unfriendly river currents. Keep these factors in mind when reaching into your quiver of rods and lean towards a stiff 5 weight or better yet, a 6 weight. The added power and strength found in a 6 weight assists in presentation and drift control.

 The off colored water masks your tippet so going heavier with your selection is preferred. Stronger tippet gives anglers a better shot at success when a large trout eats your fly and bolts for heavier currents. Turning a broad tail in rough water tips the scales in favor of the fish. Be prepared to stop a hot running fish before it gets into the strong water that helps it escape.

San Juan worms, squirmy wormies and heavy chenille worms fold and flutter during the drift mimicking the same action as a true worm. Squirmy wormies possess a natural feel in the mouth of a trout.

I apologize to the purists that walk among us. But for the beginner fly fisher, high water poses a tough situation. Dredging worm flies in the swollen river is one key to finding success.

Michael Salomone has lived in the Eagle River valley since 1992. He started his professional guiding career in 2002 and currently guides for Vail Valley Anglers