If the crowds aren't scoring (especially the old timers), they are pretty much not there. Same for you. If the "cinch hole" and "for sure rock" are not producing, they are not around. Lastly, I have horrid luck with rising flows. Stable and or declining flows, and it picks up.
On the otter: I think their presence is simply a momentary deal. Fish just move out of the way as opposed to clearing the horizon. Once had 5 otter come up through about a 100 yd run just before I started from the top. I actually thought about boating on down, but decided what the hell. Landed 3 fish and lost 2 others in the next hour. Fish go through life ducking predators all the time. It's no big deal. Same with big and small game. Once the threat is out of sight, it's out of mind.
