Nothing compares to looking at the river and knowing what the forecast is, it does not compare to looking at a graph. It took an entire season for me to know how to rig up before I got there, but once you have an idea you can stay pretty safe. One more thing, when the river has been up for a while you can't just go wading into a spot you think you know, it might be totally different, a wading staff and a fishing partner are good ideas when the water is up and water is dirty.