I knot a suitable nymph to my tippet, adding a small beadhead to an in-line dropper as an afterthought, and begin the hike up river to locate some good early season holding water. At this time of year, trout in local freestone rivers are concentrated in relatively few spots. Developing the ability to recognize this holding water is crucial to success. Casting to the runs that held fish last August is not likely to be productive. Slow to all but slack currents combined with depths of 4 to 6 feet seem to be favored lies.
Deep eddies can be particularly prolific areas.
A few large rocks strewn about the bottom of these hideaways adds to their allure. I encounter a long slow pool with the deepest water located at about the midway point between riffles. On the third cast I detect a subtle take but fail to hook up. It is an encouraging sign and serves to focus my attention. A few casts later the line twitches again and I lift the hook into the mouth of a large mountain whitefish.