High water scares most anglers off the river. That’s a mistake. Rising, off-color water is when the biggest trout in the system come out to hunt — and a well-fished streamer is the way to find them.

Use heavy sink-tip lines and large, articulated patterns in black, olive, or white. Visibility is low, so silhouette and movement matter more than precise color.

Fish tight to the bank. Big fish push to the edges in high water, looking for slower current and disoriented baitfish. Cast at 45 degrees downstream and strip with sharp, erratic pulls.

Be ready. Strikes in high water are violent. Set hard, hold on, and don’t be surprised if the fish of the year eats your fly two feet from the bank.