River question

I have a question for the river warriors. I basically fish one river/creek and I'm getting to know it fairly well. Its a small river,east trib. That said, its blown and will probably remain that way if the weather man is correct.
So heres the question; will a big river clear faster than a small one? I know theres many factors to consider but overall thoughts on the matter is what im after.

I'm thinking of hitting the credit sunday. which to me is a big river. After the rain of recent days my river is blown up. Will the credit be any better? Please let me know your thoughts.

Larger rivers have a larger watershed so they typically always take longer to drop and clear. However they do take more rain to blow out. Smaller rivers will rise quicker and with less rain but will also clear quicker. Getting out on a day when the river is on it’s way down and clearing is your best bet. Your window of opportunity on small rivers is smaller in this regard. Saying that don’t stay home if it’s high, or low (unless it’s really blown and safety is a factor). In my opinion your true test is to be adaptable when the conditions are less than perfect. Adjust for the conditions.

Thanks for the education. I'm just getting discouraged from the results this year. Waters been low n slow. Now high n dirty.

Does anybody really catch fish in brown water? I've tried over a dozen times and I've never hooked anything but bottom. I know its fishing but jeez. After 35-40 min drive to the river i cant just go home because the rivers blown. I try and try... Phew! I feel better. Anyways I'll give er a go on sunday. Come hell or high water! Probably both. 😞

Use your wading staff people.

I fished brown water today....there’s dark brown totally blown and then there’s brown when it has cleared somewhat...also lots wind today so lots of leaves and debri in water...I went 0-2....both as soon as I hooked them they jump out of water and lost both...put on bright colours in dirty water....to answer your question I don’t mind somewhat brown water yesturday I would not have fished it.

If you can stand in shin deep water and see your boots it’s fishable. Just use common sense. Bigger baits, bright colours, just experiment. We fished in brown water today and hooked 5. Not a banner day but lots were caught. And if your getting bottom occasionally that’s a good thing, your in the strike zone. I’ve fished my whole life for everything that swims, and the learning curve for steelhead is steep, keep at it, it’ll come. The more difficult at first the more rewarding it’ll be.

So true about reward. The fish definitely get my respect. I handle them as gently as possible and release.

Well today was another bust. Ended up on an east trib. Too windy for the credit. Water is a day away from being that beautiful deep green. Unfortunately rain is on the way again. I Spoke to a bunch of fisherman that were also having a bad day.
Theres always next weekend.

A muddy bottom river will take a few days to clear over a gravel bottom.
In the east you have both so there is usually a fishable river somewhere.

Good point. Never did the river hopping thing as some do. Guess I'll have to give it a try.

River hopping can save a day. Sometimes when you expect the river you know well to be fishable it isn’t as it may have rained in the head waters and not down lower where you fish. This could blow out the river you’re on but the next creek over could be prime. Learn all the surrounding rivers and their tendancies after rain hits and you may find Steelheading easier.

Yes i kinda figured out the headwaters thing. The hard way. I went to the river one day thinking it would be ideal since it hadnt rained down here. Wrong she was blown. I always look to the north now. I got spoiled last year, my first, as the weather and river conditions were perfect as far as i knew. This year has been adverse for sure.

My go to river is very silty (giveaway?) So the rain really turns it ugly quick. I'll have to hit a more rocky stream next time. I did try oshawa once but conditions were very low. It gave me a chance to see the contours and make up of the river so that was good.

Trial and error. Lovin every minute of it....almost.

6” of visibility is prime for catching steel. Use larger presentations and if you know the river/creek you’ll know where the pockets that hold fish still are. Just a matter of adjustment while you fish to make sure you get the drifts past them. Fish still gotta eat

I'm mainly a roe fisherman with the occasional pinkie and bead thrown in. I mainly tie 3-5 eggs/sac. Guess I'll have to up a few to 6-8.
I believe confidence pays a huge part in fishing succes and I'm not there yet. Gotta get that first dirty water bow. This weekend could be the one. Al least I'll be better prepared this time.
Thanks for the great advice guys.

Yes i kinda figured out the headwaters thing. The hard way. I went to the river one day thinking it would be ideal since it hadnt rained down here. Wrong she was blown. I always look to the north now. I got spoiled last year, my first, as the weather and river conditions were perfect as far as i knew. This year has been adverse for sure.

My go to river is very silty (giveaway?) So the rain really turns it ugly quick. I'll have to hit a more rocky stream next time. I did try oshawa once but conditions were very low. It gave me a chance to see the contours and make up of the river so that was good.

Trial and error. Lovin every minute of it....almost.

Yes, giveaway. As a general rule the further east you go the quicker they clear. There is almost always somewhere that's "on". Check the stream gauges at https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/ , set up a list that's relevant to you and you can plan your attack accordingly. With a little leg work you'll have a pretty good idea as to what river to hit and what size and colour bags and baits you'll want.

Yes i kinda figured out the headwaters thing. The hard way. I went to the river one day thinking it would be ideal since it hadnt rained down here. Wrong she was blown. I always look to the north now. I got spoiled last year, my first, as the weather and river conditions were perfect as far as i knew. This year has been adverse for sure.

My go to river is very silty (giveaway?) So the rain really turns it ugly quick. I'll have to hit a more rocky stream next time. I did try oshawa once but conditions were very low. It gave me a chance to see the contours and make up of the river so that was good.

Trial and error. Lovin every minute of it....almost.

Yes, giveaway. As a general rule the further east you go the quicker they clear. There is almost always somewhere that's "on". Check the stream gauges at https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/ , set up a list that's relevant to you and you can plan your attack accordingly. With a little leg work you'll have a pretty good idea as to what river to hit and what size and colour bags and baits you'll want.

Thanks for the link. I've been looking for that site. Once i figure out what I'm looking at I'll put it to good use.

There is another app you can get that is sometimes more reliable than the government one.
You may have to pay a couple of bucks. It is called RiverApp.
It is designed for kayakers however it has all the info you will need for the levels.
I find it more user friendly than the government site as well.