Reading a stream enables an angler to find fish by skill, not chance. It can also be argued that nowhere is reading more important than in springtime trout waters. There are many varied water types: riffles, runs, pocket water, pools, rapids, cascades and frog water, but most of the trout, at this time of year, will be caught in one of the first three. Thus, we will concentrate on identifying and successfully fishing riffles, runs and pocket water.

THE TROUT'S NEEDS
Trout require protection, food, oxygen and proper water temperature. They seek protection from predators, shun sunshine, and they burn too many calories in heavy currents. Because of their awakening metabolism in the spring, trout require a constant source of protein to fuel their bodies after eating sparingly all winter.

Since oxygen saturation varies between areas of any river, they seek high oxygen content areas. Trout also move to areas where the water temperature fits their biological needs. Too cold and the insects and minnows (the trout's common food sources) will not be active and accessible. Too warm and the trout will become uncomfortable.

RIFFLES
The shallow areas of the stream, where bottom features cause choppy or mildly broken surface water, are typically called riffles. This can include anything from "nervous water" to some light white water, and may be from 3 inches to 3 feet in depth. Because of its shallow nature, the bottom structure of riffle water receives enough sunlight to generate considerable algae and aquatic plant growth. Riffle water is also well oxygenated. This is good news to the trout, as the plant growth encourages and supports a large insect population, which in turn feeds a lot of trout. Thus it behooves fish to move into the riffles to feed. However, the shallow nature of the riffles offers poor protection from predators, and trout often move out of the riffles to rest in deeper water, then return to them morning and evening to feed. Midday temperatures coupled with the high overhead sunshine will force the trout out of the riffles and back to deeper holds. When fishing the riffles, cast to every part of the water that appears to be over 6 inches deep. Look for calm zones and slicks within the choppy water and work these with extra diligence.

Many of the insects that live in the weedy growth of rivers will be knocked loose from their grip on bottom rocks or weeds and float down the riffles until located and eaten by feeding trout. Also, some minnows move into the riffles to feed on these bugs, only to become trout treats themselves. This enticing supply of food draws even the large wary trout into the shallows to feed when the sun is off the water and shadows offer some protection.

RUNS
As a riffle deepens downstream, it becomes a run. Runs are waters varying from mid-depth to pool deep. They are characterized by smooth surfaces broken only by current seams created by large rocks, river bends, fallen trees and ledges. Runs are excellent trout retreats. Their shallower waters, just below the riffle, contain some plant and insect growth, while their deeper flows farther downstream offer large trout the protection they desire. As the riffle tails out into a run, a dropoff or ledge is often found. This is a great place for feeding fish to hold. Trout will nose up to the deep side of the ledge and wait for insects to be washed out of the riffle and over the ledge. Concentrate your fishing time on these ledge lines, casting into the shallow flow above and allowing your bait, fly or lure to tumble over the rim.