There is a natural evolution from bank fishing to stream walking. It is probably due in part to someone getting bored bank fishing when the fish are not biting. The evolution begins with long walks along a riverbank.

Early angling literature almost always focuses on stream fishing. The calming effect of watching water flow quietly past, is just a natural progression for a bank angler on a big river, to the guy exploring the feeder creeks. Fish move from big rivers to find food, security, and less angling pressure.

All too often anglers miss the peace and solitude, not to mention the great fishing found by stream walking.

Stream walking can be a matter of wading to another location for better placement of a lure or moving up and down the shoreline to find a better spot. After a heavy rain, or when backwaters flood, wading provides an opportunity to get fish that have taken advantage of high water, allowing them back into creeks to feed.

It is possible that a stream walker can blaze a trail into otherwise unknown fishing waters. There is no telling what he might find.

Stream walkers use normal tackle with the addition of some more specialized equipment. The first thing they need is a good pair of waders. Chest waders are preferable, but hip boots are more comfortable in hot weather and when walking longer distances. If using chest waders, it is advisable to wade no deeper than one’s hips. Also important is wearing a belt on chest waders. The belt slows the flow of water into the waders in the event of a spill. Anglers wear the belt outside the waders and usually couple it with suspenders.

Polarized sunglasses and sun blocker are important protection from the elements. The glasses not only protect eyes, but also come in handy in locating fish. They reduce the glare off the surface of the water.

A fanny pack or a ruck sack holds gear. A lumbar fishing pack, which is a take-off on the fanny pack, is much more efficient. Some people find a fly-fishing vest effective. It was originally a tackle carrier for trout anglers.

Contained in the pockets of the vest or in the packs are such items as a Swiss Army knife or multi-tool, terminal tackle like hooks, lures, lines and sinkers, a camera, hook remover, drinking water, a snack and a small first aid kit.

The technique for stream walking is simple. One just begins walking upstream and casting to fishy looking locations. Walking upstream avoids disturbing the fish with silt that stirs up when walking in water. It also helps control the amount of sound dispersed from walking over rocks and debris on the bottom of the stream. Stream walking is stalking fish. Fish prefer certain structures and different areas at various times of the year and weather variables.

The main idea is to learn a body of water and analyze the shoreline. Some structure is obvious—downed trees, sand bars, points of land, bends in the creek, undercut banks and large rock formations.

Learn other structure. Analyze the surface of the water, shadows showing depressions or weed growth. A creek bottom is subject to frequent change due to flooding or changes in the current. Casting and bouncing a lure along the bottom to locate underwater riffles. Find breaks in rocks and variations in the weed line.

Stream walking is challenging and takes time, patience, and skill. But it is an interesting change of pace for the angler in search of challenges.

Interested in fishing a different location this season? You’ll find plenty of suggestions in every issue of MidWest Outdoors. Subscribe on our website.