Few rivers anywhere run as clear as the Traful — a short, powerful stretch of water leaving its namesake lake through alluvial gravel so transparent that spotting fish is often easier than fooling them. That clarity is the whole story here: browns holding in slots and along drop-offs can see a fly line coming from an improbable distance, so long leaders, downstream presentations and a fair amount of patience matter more than fly choice. Dries take fish during hatches, but nymphs and small streamers worked with real stealth often out-produce anything cast at a visible riser. The river carries serious flow even in low water and wading demands respect. It's compact enough to fish thoroughly in a day, but exacting enough that most anglers who fish it once come away wanting to fish it properly, with a guide, next time.

• Alluvial