How can I tell if my stream has fish?

Question

I have a small stream in back of my house. It is probably 10-15 feet wide, and 3-4 feet deep at its deepest point. It is around in all four seasons and flows into a reservoir. It flows pretty fast and shallow in some sections too - some sections have only 2 inches of water because of rocks. How can I tell if there are fish in this stream big enough that I can fish for? Is there any way to tell if this stream has fish? I am a beginner fly fisher and I would like to know if I should fish in this stream.

Answer 1

You might want to try fishing the stream,if it has fish,you will know it soon enough.

Answer 2

One of my favorite things about fly fishing is to find some water that is new to me. I'll get my fly rod and get in the river and just start exploring it's secrets. There's no need for us to tell you if there are fish in the creek, you should be fishing that creek whether you know that it holds fish or not. You'll find out if there are any fish and I'm guessing that there are. Take the curious approach to all new fishing spots and you will become a better fisherman and have a more enjoyable time doing it as opposed to just fishing where people tell you to fish.  Just my opinion.

Answer 3

Walk down the stream and drop a worm and hook down in every pool along the banks.

Answer 4

It sounds like your stream probably has at least some sort of fish in it.  Walk around it casting various flies and watch carefully for any fish darting around the rocks as you do.  If there are fish of decent size in there, you will eventually spot them.

You might want to check your local fishing regulations first just to make sure the stream isn't closed off to fishing just in case.

Answer 5

get a handful of dog food, cat food, or bits of bread and throw it in the stream where you think fish are. If there are trout in your area, trout like to stay behind a rock when there is a current so food can float past.

tight lines

Answer 6

Get a minnow trap, bait it with a slice of bread and throw it in each day for about a week. If there are no minnows in the trap any of the days, it is a safe bet you will not have catchable fish in the river. If there are minnows in it then you will know that fish can survive in the water and you should start fishing.

Answer 7

Put some bread,corn or dog food in it!

Answer 8

The easiest way is to ask some of your neighbors. However, a fun way would be to put your waders on and go for a slow walk through the stream. Ask someone to go with you in case you run into any trouble and need a hand. Take your fishing rod and work your way upstream and don't try to wade through the deep holes. Take your time and learn the stream. You will see if there are any decent size fish residing in your stream.