There's a lot of talk about 'reading the water' but what does it mean? Trout need two things - food and shelter. So finding areas in the river where both of these elements meet is essential. In the backcountry the 'head' of the pool is often the prime lie. This is because this area has a steady flow of food and shelter isn't far away in the form of deep fast flowing water. The fine rainbow featured here certainly agreed - feasting on a steady supply of mayfly duns as they emerged from the riverbed. He seemed rather happy about the fact that he got first pickings in the pool. Unfortunately for him that also meant the first hook ? #mayflyhatch #readingthewater #rainbowtrout