Feeder streams are the ones leading into the larger waterways. These streams are rarely targeted by fishermen. Yet hold some great fishing. I have caught fish in streams 15 feet wide and a few feet deep. These areas are sometimes miles from any deep water. If there are food sources and clean water, there will be fish in the stream.
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I was catching minnows one day and scooped up a bass. Since I have caught panfish and more bass in this small stream no one pays attention to it in my area. The stream is located beside a major highway with suburban sprawl surrounding it.
The area I fish is 4 miles from a stocked trout stream, that leads into the river another 2 miles downstream. In other words, you do not need to travel to a lake if streams are close to home for an hour of fishing.
Finding a few of the streams is easy. Use Google maps and search the area looking for streams. The map lists many streams by name and shows the roads close to them. Once you have found a few to check it is time for a walk.
Take a hike and visually look the stream over for potential. It has to have deeper holes of 3-6 feet and cover. Check for the baitfish population. Minnows and other aquatic life is easy to see in streams. If all the elements are present, it is time to fish.
How to Fish Feeder Streams
Fishing feeder streams are the same as for trout fishing. Wade the waterway working a few lures. The fish will be spread out since it is smaller water. Take the time to work a hole or set of riffles before moving on. Since the fish may be hiding under the bank or rocks.
There are many trees laying in the streams also. These small waters seldom get high enough to wash larger timber away. Fallen trees hold fish in whatever water you find them. But a small stream usually lacks a large cover so these are some prime spots.
One other spot to target is the undercuts on banks. These are common on streams and fish love the protection and shade provided. Work the bait along with the undercut with the current. This can be bottom bouncing live bait with a split shot.
A lure can be cast upstream and worked with the current. You should walk upstream all the time. If you work downstream the sediment will go ahead of you. The act of wading disturbs the sediment. So try avoiding creating a cloudy water situation.
Stay away from the points with easy access. The junction with a larger water body is fished a lot. The same with bridges and areas beside the road. Walk downstream on land then start fishing. This will get you to where others do not venture. Have insect repellent since bugs are stirred up walking through the trees and weeds on the way down.
Equipment for Feeder Streams
Small streams tend to have brush lining the banks. A shorter rod is a better choice. It allows accurate casting without catching the brush. You will need pinpoint casting into some cover. A 5 1/2 to 6-foot light action rod is best. The fish in the streams are smaller. The lighter tackle is more than enough for the fish. The line to use is a 4-6 pound test. Since a lighter rod is used and the lures are small also.
A fishing vest or small pack carries plenty of small lures. Look for small Plano boxes that fit into pockets of the vest or small packs. Staying light with the tackle is important. You are walking and fishing. This needs a hands-free approach. The small boxes hold small jerk baits and spinners. Soft plastics keep in the pouch they are bought in. The hooks and weights go in another box or remove a few lures. A lot of small lures will fit into the boxes.
Use a lanyard for hook-removing tools. A retractable one on the belt works great. Keeping dry you need waders, a pair of low-cost hip waders allow access to many spots. I find higher waders are too heavy for small stream fishing and unneeded. The deeper spots are where the lure goes, not you. Fish from below or above in the deep spot, but stay far enough away to stop disturbing sediment that flows in the hole.
Summary
Fishing feeder streams is a good way to avoid crowds and spend an hour or two in relative peace. The bonus is catching fish no one else targets. It may take a few streams to find the right one. The chances are one is close to home waiting for an angler to explore its beauty and bounty.
John McIntyre