How to Fish Fingers and Shelves Pre-Hatch

Producer: Jensen Fly Fishing

There are hatch cycles and windows throughout the season as mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, midges and other insects hatch or emerge. And each one has its own conditions and parameters in a daily rhythm & response, dictating when & where a hatch may occur. Trout are keen to feed and they will move about the in-stream habitat in response to food and water flow. They certainly will key in on active nymphs and emergers when even a light hatch is coming. Let’s have a look at that pre-hatch window when trout are starting to key on active nymphs along gravel shelves and the current fingers they create.