Fish The Foam…Find The Fish

As a young and budding fly fisherman, the term “Fish The Foam” was one of the first bits of advice ever given to me. I was told that fish love the foam because it’s pretty much fish food. There’s a lot of truth to that, but what exactly is “River Foam” and why do you tend to find fish nearby these floating bubbles?

A small Brown Trout caught and released back into the foamy water pictured below!

What is “River Foam”?
The term River Foam refers to the little bubbles that float down a river. Especially in the slower and flatter water. If you’ve spent time around the river, you’ll notice a trail of this foam that floats down the river at the mercy of the river flow and current. These bubbles are the result of natural organic materials breaking down in the current of the river. When this organic material breaks down, it releases oils and surfactants which make the bubbles, which combine to make the river foam.

Why focus on the foam?
This floating foam is a big attractant of insects, large and other small particles of organic material. All of that is fish food. So they dont eat the foam itself, but its practically a moving buffet for fish. In addition to the fish food buffet, the foam also indicates the presence of oxygenated water. Fish thrive this area of the river. In addition to the food and oxygen, the bubbles also provide much needed protection from predation. Since it provides food, shelter and oxygen…its a good place to find fish. Its all of the aspects they need to survive!

Not all foam is created equal.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all river foam is created equal. Fertilizer runoff, pestacides and other man made checmicals can also cause foam in the river. In that case, there wouldn’t be too many fish and there are better places to fish. This foam may have different color tints like blue or green while organic river foam has an off white to tan color. Additionally, synthetic river foam may have a chemical or detergent like odor. Its always good to check the foam and make sure your chosen spot is a good one to cast a line!

Next time you’re on the river, drift your fly or reel your lure through this bubbly path and your chance of landing a fish is pretty good! River Foam is a great source of food, oxygen and shelter, making it prime habitat for hungry fish! Remember that your presentation is everything. Drift your setup with the flow of the river and your chances are good that you’ll have a fish on in no time!

Tight Lines and Happy Trails,

The Trails to Trout Family