Favored Holding Spots in a Typical Section of River

1. In riffles and shallows, especially during insect hatches.
   
2. In front of boulders, where the water speed in front is slowed by the rock behind. This is a popular spot during heavy hatches.
   
3. Along banks where the current is slower and terrestrial insects fall in.
   
4. Behind boulders that offer protection from the current.
   
5. In drop-offs between riffles and the heads of run that offer protection from the current and a steady supply of food.
   
6. Behind submerged boulders or other protective pockets.
   
7. In front of surface obstructions that can trap good insects.
   
8. Behind logs that offer protection and possible ants.
   
9. At the floor of runs where the water is slower and food is plentiful.
   
10. In quiet holding pockets between subsurface rock ledges.
    
11. In back eddies where the current is slower and where insects tend to collect.
    
12. In seams between slow and faster water where the current isn’t too strong and food passes nearby.
    
13. At the bottom of a deep pool.
    
14. In the shade of an overhanging streamside tree protected from view.
    
15. In and around weed beds that offer food and protection from the current.
    
16. In gravel bar shallows in late evening.
    
17. In the tail of a run where the current is slower.
    
18. Under or inside undercut banks.