Early-morning pressure can be intense, especially when it comes to bank-fishing. However, after only a couple of hours of fishing, many folks head off to work, while others will usually call it a day by mid-morning.

If you’re looking to avoid crowds, try following them. That is to say, head to the river after the majority of anglers have left. Arrive around that 7 or 8 a.m. timeframe, when the first shift of bank-anglers will have left for work.

Another good late-morning arrival time seems to be around 11 a.m. -- a time that some folks prefer because it gives the fish a little time to settle down from the early-morning rush.

When fishing later in the morning behind crowds, it pays give the fish something they haven’t seen yet. A different bait, maybe a shrimp tail instead of eggs, or jigs rather than yarn balls, or a different color or style of drift-bobber due to a change in lighting conditions might be key.

Even pressured fish will often respond to a different presentation. You never know unless you try, and it seems that the late-morning angler who follows the crowds and is willing to experiment with a variety of presentations will find results.

Open your mind, pay attention to details, and be aware of what you can do to make your time on the water more efficient. In the end, your angling skills will become more proficient -- and you’ll catch more fish.

You can bank on that.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s latest book, 300 Tips To More Salmon & Steelhead, send a check for $29.95 (which includes S&H) to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489.

This and other titles can also be ordered at Here are five tips you can apply this winter to help get more releases or fish in the freezer.

1.RIVER-LEVEL CHECK
Several factors influence how much water is flowing in a river. Flow impacts clarity, water levels and overall fishing. Rainstorms, quick snowmelt, emergency openings of dams, the operation of irrigation canals, even tributary activity will impact the level of a river. When it comes to winter steelhead, this should help you determine where you’ll fish and how you’ll fish.

Before heading to your target river, it’s especially important to get river-level information. This is the time of year when conditions change overnight, and tracking approaching storm systems can save you many hours of frustration.

There are many regional Web sites that lead to river-level monitoring stations, and they are frequently updated. Radio, television and newspapers may also offer information worth noting. Some regions still offer telephone hotlines that can direct you to specific streams.

Knowing how much water is flowing through a system can dictate how you fish. By being aware of what’s happening, you’ll be prepared to use the best approach to find steelhead.

For instance, you might not be a plunking fan, but if the river is high and off-color, it’s going to tough for jig-fishing. On the other hand, if the river is low, a subtle presentation may be called for. Be aware of what the river is doing, and adjust accordingly.