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Christmas Eve, 2002

 
After a series of erratic winter storms, which produced an inordinate amount of rain showers, the waters of Central Washington's Yakima River have settled and steadily dropped back into winter flows.  Small tributaries that feed the Yakima as it channels its way through the Kittitas Valley caused an increase in water this past week.

Current Insect Activity

Midges


Catch & Release All Wild Fish!December Catch & Release
However, unlike the anadromous fish producing rivers west of the Cascades that swell at the banks due to heavy rains this time of year, the Yakima rivers water clarity is rarely compromised during the winter months.  The river is gin clear, cold and inhabited by only a few die hard fly fishermen.  As Big Horn Sheep, Whitetail Deer and Rocky Mountain Elk roam the hillsides of the Yakima Canyon, Bald Eagles, America's symbol of strength, honor and perseverance stand guard atop the branches of cottonwoods that line the banks of the river.
The fishing this time of year is what you make of it.  The warmer days where air and water temperature mix to the right degree have produced willing feeding participants.  Some days the river's wild rainbows aggressively slash at nymphs and streamer patterns.  An occasional midge slurping rainbow can be found among the foam lines and boulders of the river as well.  The colder winter days you work a bit harder and feeding becomes less frequent or not as easily detected.  Whitefish congregate in pods this time of year with the Yakima's rainbows and at times can be a more aggressive feeder than it's spotted brethren.  It's a peaceful, quiet time of the year to stand in it's water's.
As the nation sits under a blanket of uncertainty this holiday season, the staff, management and professional guide staff of Worley Bugger Fly Co. wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas season.  We thank everyone for their continued support of our efforts and look forward to the upcoming new season.

December 10th, 2002

 
As the month of December settles in, winter like weather attempts to grasp the Yakima River Valley.  The first low lying snow fall arrived late last week, but by now signs of the event have quickly disappeared.  Only the surrounding hillsides remain blanketed with the evidence of a December storm.
If current weather predictions hold, the Kittitas Valley should see more pre-Christmas snow by the middle of the week. 

Low lying fog hovers in the the hills and along the river most of the day, blocking the warm sun from the Central Washington basin.

This leaves a 5 to 6 hour window of opportunity to experience some quality winter river fishing.  Their is no necessity to be on the river at first light. 

Give the sun a chance to bring the temperature up and you can avoid breaking ice from your guides most of the day. 

This time of year as the colder weather sets in, concentrate your best efforts during the warmest parts of the day.

It is during these times fish are most active.  A couple of degrees difference in water and air temperature can make the difference between inactivity and fish willing to feed.

 

Green River Chum Salmon

 
Nymph fishing will consume the majority of your day, however fishermen have experience some dry fly action sporadically during the emergence of a midge hatch this past week.  For those looking for more consistent surface action you may want to try Rocky Ford Creek this time of year.  This spring creek located in the Eastern Washington basin can provide you with a reliable surface feeding fish.

November 26th, 2002

The chilling days that arrived the first weeks of November have now been replaced with mild, warm fishing days.  The past week, improved weather conditions throughout Central Washington, produced sunny Falls days.  This weekend fly fishermen were out, converged in boats and walking the banks, fishing the Yakima River.  Insect hatches were sparse with surface feeders concentrating mainly on Midges.  Some areas of the river, fly fishermen were treated to light Baetis activity during the day.
Double nymph combinations, rigged with a small shot to sink it quickly will constitute the majority of your fishing day.  Streamer and bugger fishing has been good throughout sections of the Yakima when fished accordingly.  The fast strip technique is out of the question this time of year.  With water temperatures hovering in the mid-40 degree range, it's highly unlikely that rainbows will actively chase this time of the year.  Light sporadic movements throughout the run, quartered with the hang down effect can be very productive.
We are happy to report that the first charter Federation of Fly Fishers club has been established in Ellensburg.  On November 18th, a meeting was held locally and executive officers were appointed to cabinet positions.  We would like to personally thank all those involved in forming the club and those officers that stepped up to these positions.  The tireless efforts of everyone involved is much appreciated.  The club is now taking membership application and further questions can be addressed to the "Yakima River Fly Fishers".

Current "Yakima River Fly Fishers" club officers  
Tyler Laurenti- President - tyler.layrenti@farmersinsurance.com

 

Scott Butner - V.P. - butner@bossig.com
 

"Yakima River Fly Fishers" Membership Application

 
Greg Moore - Secretary - msccgolf@owt.com  
Donna Lease - Treasurer - simbacinder@yahoo.com  

I am also very happy to report that on November 16th at 11:32 p.m. my wife Robin gave birth to our first little fly fisher.  We have been blessed with a beautiful, happy, healthy baby daughter named Jacqueline Christina Worley.  Suddenly life has taken on a whole new meaning for us.  Robin and I would like to thank everyone for the kind words and generosity we have received since this new bundle of joy enter of lives.  We would also like to thank the tireless efforts of the Worley Bugger guide and shop staff for taking up the slack over the past weeks.  Cheers!

November 15th, 2002

 
As the month of November progresses, changes in weather patterns have occurred throughout the Yakima River valley.  The light dusting of snow that covered the hillsides has melted under the warm Central Washington sunshine. The past several days, nightly rain showers have also pounded the valley, soaking the ground.  The cool mornings of last week where ice formed around the rod guides has been replaced with, cloudy warm days.
As west side rivers swell from the daily rain fall, the Yakima continues to flow gin clear.  Heavy rains this time of year will seldom become a problem for the river, unlike the streams west of the Cascades.  The Yakima continues to flow at Fall levels as fly fishermen enjoy afternoon hatches of aquatic insects.  Nymph fishing the first part of the day is standard practice as we wait for the day time temperatures to rise.  As the warmer part of the day begins, hatches of Baetis begin forming and the rainbows begin their daily surface feeding.  Not all area's of the river are producing a consistent hatch at this time.  Sporadic hatches throughout the Eburg and Thrope section have occurred throughout the week, however a more reliable emergence is still happening in the lower Yakima River Canyon.
For those not particular about the fly fishing method, nymph and streamer combinations have been productive.  These method will continue to produce more consistent fishing on a day to day basis throughout the month of November.  Sporadic hatches of Mahogany Duns have still been popping up around sections of the river during the afternoon.  If this occurs, the tiny Baetis and Midge imitations that you are fishing can be replaced with a larger, more visible pattern.  During the day if surface feeding is not apparent, try a larger Sculpin or baitfish imitation.  The Yakima is home to several types of baitfish including Dace, Minnows, and Sculpins.  Just because the days have gotten cooler, doesn't mean the fish stop eating!
On Tuesday, November 12th a second meeting was held at the Ellensburg Inn to discuss further plans for a Ellensburg based fly fishing club.  A gathering of 16 people discussed the issues pertaining to the formation of a Federation of Fly Fishers charter club.  Interest has evolved and another meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 18th.  A core group of individuals will attend the meeting to discuss the future development of the first Washington state charter federation club.  An agenda has been set for the meeting.

November 7th, 2002

 
Despite the rapid drop in the temperature over the past week, a entourage of over 80 fly fisher, (20) drift boats, pontoons and rafts descended on the Ringer Road boat launch on Saturday to participated in the fifth annual Yakima River Clean Up Day.  Morning highs hovered below the double digits, however everyone showed up enthusiastic about the days events.  The volunteer efforts resulted in nearly a ton of garbage and waste removed from the banks and river bed of the Yakima!
This was the largest turn out the Clean Up Day has seen to date.  We would like to gratefully thank everyone that participated.  Your help in making the Clean Up Day a success was greatly appreciated.
Following the Clean Up Day, a barbeque was held at the Ellensburg Inn.  Preceding the barbeque, a meeting was conducted by the Washington Council of Federation of Fly Fishers.  Mr. Bob Shirley and Mr. Larry Gibbs gave a brief explanation of the Federation of Fly Fishers organization.  Discussion turned to the formation of a local Ellensburg chapter with a question and answer period following.  The meeting was met with great response.  A second meeting is schedule for Tuesday, November 12th, 2002 at the Ellensburg Inn at 6:00 p.m.  Those interested in forming a club in Ellensburg are encouraged to attend.
For now, the cooler days and nights of last week have been replaced with warmer day time temperatures as we see the mercury climb to the mid 50's now each day.  With the warmer night time highs, water temp's come up a bit quicker and we find the fish much more active earlier in the day.  Blue wing hatches have been erratic, showing on some days and then inconsistent on others.  However, the fish have turned their attentions to an even smaller meal...the midge.  This hatch has been consistent each day and will provide anglers with a window of opportunity for match the hatch fishing.  Select areas of the river that receive early morning sunlight with bright rays lasting well into the late afternoon.

October 30th, 2002

 
A light dusting of snow now covers the surrounding hillsides of the Kittitas Valley as the first snow fall of Autumn arrived late last evening.  The high ridges now provide additional color blending the mixtures of Fall.  The cool Yakima river mornings require an additional layer of fleece, but as the morning sun warms the valley, the layers are quickly retired.  The insect hatches have been consistent from day to day, each beginning as the warmer period of the afternoon arrives.
A mixture of Mahogany Duns, Fall Baetis and Midges are emerging throughout your day. The size of these three insects will vary from 14 to 22.  October Caddis hatches have been sporadic the past week.  Some sections of the river are producing a more consistent emergence than others.  Wading the river is always productive this time of year, however those casting from the boat have a distinct advantage. Covering water during the day, a fly fishermen will experience a variety of circumstances one may not encounter on foot.
The Yakima River Clean Up will be held this Saturday, November 2nd.  Their have been some changes made with the event over the past week.  We have put together a complete itinerary for the day, so those planning to attend can stay informed. If you do plan to attend the clean up this Saturday and have yet to register, we ask that you take a second and do so.  Typically we have a large turn out for the event and like to keep it as well organized as well can. You can also call the fly shop to register if you experience any problems online.  (888-950-FISH)

October 23rd, 2002

 
As the last remaining days of the calendar summer tick away, the end of day light savings time will occur this weekend.  Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons as the blue wings populate the surface of the Yakima.  By mid-day, nymph rigs come off and tiny dry fly imitations are tied to 5x flouro tippet.  Trout feed vigorously and in a methodically cycle, feasting on these small Mayflies.  Continuous feeding will occur until the warm afternoon sunshine leaves the water and descends over the Manastash Ridge.
Combined within the emergence of these small Fall Baetis, Mahogany Dun Mayflies will appear as well as Fall Caddisflies.  Some of the more particular rainbows prefer the appeal of this tiny dark bodied Mayfly, while other less meticulous, concentrate on the larger variety.  A close, patient eye can distinguish between the two. The Cahill's also blend in to this mishmash of Mayfly combinations, however they seam more concentrated in certain sections of the river as each Fall day passes.  The October Caddis continue to play their role in the Fall fishing, yet significant emergences each day seem impossible to predict.  Some days produce heavy, more concentrated hatches of these giant Fall Caddisflies.
The fifth annual "Yakima River Clean Up Day" will be held this year on Saturday, November 2nd.  The staff and management of WBFC have greatly appreciated the help and support from everyone that contributed to the event over the past two years. 
A barbeque will be held for those participating in the event following the clean up at the fly shop in Ellensburg.  The Washington Council of Federation of Fly Fishers will also host a meeting at the Ellensburg Inn following the barbeque.  The meeting will address the potential formation of a "Yakima River fly fishing club"  Those interested in creating a chapter are encouraged to attend.  The forum is open to the public.  A raffle will also be held following the meeting for those participating in the clean up.  The leading fly fishing manufactures have once again generously donated prizes to be awarded.

October 8th, 2002

 
There's a change swiping across the Yakima River Valley as the Big Horn Sheep return to their winter range in the Lower Yakima River Canyon.  Lush foliage that grew thick and dense during heat of summer, slowly gives way to the brilliant colors of fall.  This transformation is always a welcome site.  As an early Artic storm front pushed over the Northwest late last week, a quick drop in temperatures arrived with it.  The cooling temperatures are a welcomed change from the long, warm days of summer.  As these changes occur, unique and distinguishing characteristics are beginning to unfold on the Yakima. 
The anadromous fish that returned during the spring, full fill there ritualistic duties to Mother Nature and the trout take up holding lies and begin to pod in the runs of the Yakima. Spring Chinook salmon have been actively forming beds, spawning throughout the city and upper sections of the river.  The cooling temperatures have quickly slowed the big bugs of summer as the Hopper and Shortwing Stonefly hatch begin to dissipate.  The stones hit a peak late last week and their activity has quickly dropped off.  However, this variation in temperature has proliferated the October Caddis emergence and intense hatches of these giant Caddisflies is occurring during the early morning and late evenings.  One can expect to see this large Caddis continue well into the month of November.  You can also experience sporadic hatches of "Fall Caddis" during the day as well.
The little bug fishing has also returned to the river and is a welcome treat to those fishing this fall.  The Yakima is largely a searching river.  Knowing where to fish your fly during the different seasons of the year, systematically combing the lies of the trout is usually the norm.  The Yakima rainbows rarely give up their holding positions, except during the Caddis and Mayfly hatches of spring and fall.  Fall Baetis as well as Mahogany Duns and Light Cahill's are now occurring during the day on the Yakima.  Cloudy, overcast days are best, but are rare treat in Central Washington.  Searching out the shady, well concealed areas of the river will allure trout to feed on these aquatic insects and match the hatch fishing will take place.

September 25th, 2002

 
After a steady three week period of heavy stonefly activity, the peak of the Yakima's Summer Stonefly hatch has yet to occur.  A stream of Shortwing Stonefly nymphs continue to infiltrate the banks of the Yakima, especially throughout the lower portions of the river.  Giant female Stoneflies take flight mid-afternoon and the fish wait in anticipation of their arrival to the water.  Big, gaudy, rubber-leg imitation that present plenty of movement and provide a stonefly silhouette on the water will draw attentions.  In just the past week, the feeding actions of the trout have progressed from slow and methodical to an all out onslaught of our imitations.  Keep up the slack and you'll hook up
We believe it is contributed to the egg laying female stones return to the water as well as the emergence of  October Caddis. Fall Caddis are now hatching in large numbers during the early morning and late evenings throughout the main stem of the Yakima. 

Substantial numbers of these giant Caddis are being consumed by the Yakima Rainbows. 

This large Caddisfly has become a hearty source of dietary substance for the resident rainbows.  An October Caddis pupa pattern fished effectively during the warmer parts of the day has been productive.

This is just the beginning stages of the Fall Caddis emergence.  Expect to see this big aquatic insect emerge well into the month of November throughout most sections of the Yakima.

"Yakima River October Caddis Pupa"

Besides the big bug fishing we have also been treated to good hatches of Fall Baetis in the afternoons.  A close eye as well as a keen sense of reading water will provide you with some great match the hatch fishing.  On the warm, sunny days, hatches are appearing in some of the lower sections of the river (below Cle Elum).  Concentrate your attentions on the shady, well covered area's of the river.  Here, you will find wild rainbows slowly sipping small mayflies from the surface film and foam lines.  Hi-Vis patterns can come in handy after casting huge Stonefly and Fall Caddis imitations during the first parts of your day.  Emergers and cripples have also worked well over the past week.
The fall season on "Blackstone Lake" was officially opened last Friday and dates are now being reserved for late September, October and November fishing.  The Hopper action along the banks is now providing fly fishermen with dry fly fishing.  Great hatches of Calliabaetis Mayflies, Damsels and Chironomids are also a constant distraction to the Blackstone rainbows.

September 13th, 2002

 
The Fall flows have once again returned to the river as the drop in water continues.  A whole new river has formed, as a variety of circumstances are evolving.  The cooler weather that we experienced last week has been replaced with warm, sunny skies.  The Yakima Rainbows are now feasting on a variety of aquatic insects.  Short-wing Stones in both male and female species are littered along the banks of the river.  The giant size females have been returning to the waters sporadically throughout the day.  Larger concentrations are appearing in the lower sections of the river at this time.
The warmer days are also supply us with plenty of Hopper fishing. The heat of the day encourages the movements of these large size locusts and activity along the grassy, rocky banks of the Yakima is providing fly fishermen with afternoon dry fly action.  The Fall Baetis are also beginning to appear periodically throughout the river as well during the day.  This Mayfly nymph is an essential part of the rainbows consumption.  As the month of September progresses, the tiny Fall duns will become more evident.
The Fall Caddis are also showing up in good numbers just before dusk in area's of the river.  Better concentrations at this time are developing in sections above the lower Yakima Canyon.  As the month progresses, greater numbers of  October Caddis will begin appearing in the early mornings and late evenings throughout the entire main stem of the Yakima.
The river is in beautiful shape and fly fishermen have plenty of opportunity to wade the majority of the river.  The Yakima is providing an endless amount of runs, riffles, ledges and seams to fish.  Everywhere you look another section of fishable water develops.

September 6th, 2002

 
As anticipated, the annual irrigation flip flop was initiated during the Labor Day weekend and the river flows continue to decrease on a daily basis.  Fly fishermen confined to the banks and smaller area's of the river since spring run-off can now branch out and fish water that has been unavailable for some time. With the drop in water conditions, the river has come alive with Short-wing Stones.  They are now amassed along the banks of the Yakima in droves.  Exoskeletons litter the rocks at the high water mark as hordes of male and female stonefly nymphs exodus the water.
The Yakima rainbows have been gorging on Stonefly nymphs, bloating from the massive wave that is now present. However they are not so preoccupied with the nymphs that they are overlooking the adult species.  Your favorite stonefly pattern fished appropriately will work well.  Those looking to experience good dry fly fishing on the Yakima, now is the time!  If that isn't enough, Hoppers litter the banks and brush of the river as well. The feasting of late summer insects has begun.
Unusual cooler nights is bringing the water temperature down, which in turn is starting to produce some October Caddis activity just before dark.  Pupation of this giant orange Caddis has been under way since the last days of August.  As the month of September progresses, this aquatic insect presence will become quite apparent.
The Yakima is in great condition throughout the entire main stem of the river.  Bank feeders can still be found in sections of the river that hold more water along the shore, however fish are moving to new holding areas.  Lower volumes of water mean more fish holding together through each run.  Working each piece of water from top to bottom can provide you with plenty of entertainment.
Those fly fishermen interested in drifting the river will have little problem.  River etiquette is always important, however it becomes a bit more significant now that the river has dropped.  Practice responsible river and boat launch manners.

August 27th, 2002

 
The time of year has arrived once again as flows on the Yakima are now beginning to recede, dropping off gradually each day.  By September 1st the annual flip flop will beginning and the river will take on a whole new look and dimension.  With the summer of 2002 quickly fading, the fall season is welcomed in.  As the drop in water flows continues, expect to the see the summer stonefly hatch ignite.  A slight increase in water temperature will trigger a reaction and the Short-wing Stones will be crawling out of the wood work.  Males and females alike will converge along the banks partaking in the mating ritual.  Both species will be an abundant food source for the Yakima River rainbows throughout the month of September.  The Short-wing is showing up at this time sporadically throughout the system.
As water flows drop, trout that have been displaced throughout the main stem throughout the summer will begin to move establishing podding formations. Less volume of water means fewer places to hide.  Fast water riffles, seam structure and tail outs will all hold Yakima rainbows
The Hopper fishing has quickly turned on over the past week.  A few breezy days has provided the resident rainbows with a day time feast of terrestrials in a variety of colors.  The thick dense grass or dry rocky banks of the river is now host to hundreds of small to medium size Hoppers at this time.  The late evening Caddis hatch is also providing essential dietary needs to the rainbows.

August 20th, 2002

 
As the month of August rolls along, water demands remain high and the Yakima continues to run at peak summer time flow.  Fishing over the past week has been good, despite the inactivity of aquatic insects during the day.  Sporadic Caddis hatches can occur during the early morning hours, before the heat of the day.  Those looking for match the hatch fishing may want to take advantage of it. During the middle of the day, attractor patterns in both surface and subsurface variations will work well.  Your favorite terrestrial pattern fished along the lush grassy banks will draw some attentions.   The latter part of the day as air temperatures begin to drop will provide you with additional Caddis activity.  At this point in the season the Yakima begins an insect transition.  Summer time hatches are cycling as they begin to diminish, while the bugs of fall are at their beginning stages.
The Yakima rainbows have taken notice of this as they begin to make changes in their feeding behavior.  You as a fly fishermen must recognize these changes and make adjustments as well. Water temperatures remain in the upper 60's despite the cooler summer nights.  The Kittitas Valley winds are providing some cool relief to fishermen during the day.  Those of you concentrating your efforts in the upper reaches of the Yakima's main stem may find a change in tactics will be required.  The presence of Chinook salmon that returned over Roza Dam early this spring is evident and must not be overlooked.  Spawning is starting to occur in some sections of the river and whether you like it or not, the Yakima rainbows attentions turn from aquatic insects to this other highly nutrient meal.
With the last holiday of summer just around the corner, the start of Labor Day weekend signifies the beginning of the Fall fish season.  This is a busy time of year for us as the re-opening of Blackstone Lake occurs, the pursuit of Klickitat River Steelhead intensifies and Central Washington's, Yakima River comes alive.  Those of you looking to experience any of these fine fisheries with the professional guide team of Worley Bugger this Fall, please call early.

August 10th, 2002

 
After a brief hiatus to spend time with family and friends as well as experience some of the finest rivers of Southwest Montana, I have returned to find the men of WBFC working hard around Ellensburg's premier fly shop and guide service.  Guided fly fishing trips were conducted during my absence and reports from the guide team were enthusiastic.  The dry fly fishing has been mixed throughout the river.  Several of the early summer hatches are beginning to diminish, while others are waiting in the wings to begin
Derick Fergus & Healthy Yakima River Rainbow The next wave of Stoneflies has started to enter the system and the Yakima rainbows are feeding heavily on the nymphs at this stage.  Adults stones aren't showing in large numbers as of yet, so your big dry fly imitations more than likely won't attract much attention, except by the smaller fish in the system.  You can experience decent dry fly action along some of the grassy banks of the Yakima, where the rainbows have been busy feeding on terrestrial insects like hoppers, ants, beetles, etc.  A good attractor pattern like the Madam X, Foam Ant or Yak Stone is always good to keep close by.

Sculpin patterns as well as other bait-fish imitation are also working well throughout much of the main stem.  With the big water that is now being flushed through the system, sculpins, baitfish and crayfish can be an easy meal for a big trout this time of year. (left)

Catch & Release All Wild Fish! Yakima River Rainbow

Concentrate your nymphs through the riffles and seams of the river.  Slower tail out can be fished towards dusk as the big rainbows move into the cooling water to feed on summer Caddis.
The Professional Guide Staff and Pro Shop employees of Worley Bugger Fly Co. are in the beginning stages of establishing the first Federation of Fly Fishers Club in Ellensburg.  With the help of Bob Shirley and John Calhoun of the Seattle Area FFF Chapter, a new Yakima River Fly Fishing FFF chapter will be established.  We are looking for active individuals to participate in all areas of the organization.  The club goals will be conservation, preservation and education of the Yakima River and its surrounding resources.  Special club events will also be held throughout the year.  If you would like to participate in and (or) are interested in becoming an active member of the club, please refer to the link provided to the right.

July 26th, 2002

 
With minimal daily releases of water from the storage reservoirs, an increase in flows over the past week has brought the river up to summer capacity.  The Yakima is now running at expected summer flows for this time of the year.  As the month of August approaches expect the river to operate at or around these flows until the latter part of the month.
With the volume of water now running through the main stem of the Yakima, trout holding lies are easy to detect.  Those working the water from drift boats or rafts concentrate your imitations tight along the grassy banks of the river.  The vegetation has grown thick under the warm, sunny skies of the Kittitas Valley and a variety of aquatic and non aquatic insects are finding refuge in its grasses.  Along some of the banks an 1" away is to far.
Along these banks Hopper, Caddis, Short-wing Stones and a variety of terrestrial insects are clinging to the dense underbrush and foliage.  A warm afternoon breeze blowing through the grasses can provide the Yakima rainbows with an easy meal.  Entice the Yakima rainbows with an imitation that imitates the natural.
Fly fishermen wading the river can find accessible areas this time of year.  Look for braids, channels and islands that form along the river.  These areas break up the high flows and allow wading access to sections of the river.  These places can be found in both the upper and lower Yakima canyons.  Stop by Ellensburg's Pro-Shop with any questions.  The helpful, friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

July 16th, 2002

 
After a warm air mass moved across the state, temperatures have now cooled and comfortable 80° degree days are being recorded.  Water discharge from storage reservoirs was kept to a minimal each day during the heat as minor increases in cfs began.  With an increase in flows, water temps have dropped a few degrees over the past couple of days.  This has helped the fishing during the hottest parts of the day, keeping the fishing active throughout the afternoon during periods of insect inactivity.
Terrestrial and stonefly activity has increased over the past week as the first wave of summer stones have invaded the banks of the Yakima.  The Short-wing Stones are showing up in good numbers throughout the lower parts of the river.  Last week we weren't seeing as many in the Ellensburg area as the lower Yakima Canyon was experiencing.  However, the migration is moving quickly up river and the upper portions of the Yakima are now experiencing good numbers of these stones.  The Short-wings will be a constant distraction for the Yakima rainbows, especially into the evening hours when mating rituals are taking place. Egg laying females will be returning to the waters during these times.  The Male of the species, scurries a top the water very quickly.  Presenting your imitation in the same manner can provide you will plenty of top water action.
The Caddis continue to be a major food source with the majority of activity during the late afternoon and evening hours.  You may experience a flood of activity during the early morning in some of the canyon stretches of the river.  PMD's, Yellow Sallies and Hoppers are also providing match the hatch fishing at this time.

July 10th, 2002

 
As we begin the first weeks of July, the water conditions have remained stable and the Yakima continues to run below normal capacity for this time of year.  A mass of warm air is predicted to enter Central Washington today, pushing temperatures upwards into the high 90's, possibly hitting the triple digits for the first time this summer.
According to the water operations manager at the Bureau of Reclamation, water releases will more than likely occur over the next few days to facilitate the needs of farmers in the lower Yakima valley.  As air temperatures increase, water demands will also increase for irrigation purposes. The release of water from the reservoirs is suppose to be minimal in amounts of 200 cfs at a time.  If this happens according to schedule, the river will stay in shape and the productive fishing we have witnessed over the past several days will continue.
With stable flows occurring throughout the main stem of the Yakima, aquatic insect hatches and terrestrial activity has steadily picked up.  Sporadic Caddis hatches are taking place throughout the day, with the major portion of Caddis action happening in the early or later parts of the late afternoon.  Yellow Sallie Stoneflies and PMD's are among the varieties of insects emerging during the day as well.
The dry fly fishing has been good during the day, especially to the bank feeders who are getting use to seeing bigger bugs now.  Nymphing will be part of your strategy as well, as you concentrate on the faster, shallow riffles of the river.  With an increase in water temperature, the Yakima rainbows metabolism is on the rise and streamer fishing during the heat of the day has been productive!.  An assortment of patterns combined with a variety of techniques has Worley Bugger clientele experiencing a whole new dimension in Yakima River fly fishing.

July 3rd, 2002

 
After a week of high water volumes, a significant drop in flows has occurred throughout the Yakima system.  Water flows throughout the past several days ranged from 1600cfs in the upper stem to well over 5500cfs in the lower sections below E'burg.  At this time flows are down, well below the average for this time of year as snow pack run off to the Yakima's storage reservoirs atop the Cascades has dropped off considerably. It looks like better management of river flows may begin to happen and we can see stability to the river and its water throughout the month of July.  Water volumes more than likely will not stay at this volume for any length of time, so fly fishermen should take advantage of it way you can.  We won't see flows this low again until the end of summer.
Our phone line at the pro-shop was busy this week answering calls about the hatch of "Green Drake Mayflies" that was suppose to be happening on the Yakima?  Evidently a newspaper in the Seattle area published an article in last weekends outdoor section about the Green Drake.  The Yakima can at times see a hatch of Green Drakes, however it occurs randomly in only a short section of the upper river.  In order to hit this elusive hatch of Drakes, you must be in the right place at the right time.  What is the percentage in that?  I would count on seeing more consistent hatches like P.M.D.'s and Caddis this time of year. If you happen to encounter this drake hatch than that's a bonus.
The valley has been experiencing some windy days over the past several days.  This may deter many of you from fishing the Yakima for the day, however you must factor in a few details before making this judgment call.  Yes fishing in the wind isn't always easy and at times the breeze will deter our insect hatches.  However, this time of year a strong breeze during the heat of the day can mean the difference between a day filled with plenty of action and a slow day.  As the warm days of July persist, few or no insect hatches can occur.  Thick, dense vegetation has been growing quickly under the warm summer sunshine.  Here, several species of terrestrial insects are nesting in the thick grasses.  A strong breeze during the day can easily send these insects helplessly into the water.  Here you will find bank feeding trout lying in wait.  Those fishing from a drift boat or raft can easily take advantage of this by simple positioning of an experienced oarsmen.  Wading anglers don't have it quite as easy, but can accomplish this fly fishing technique during windy days in random areas of the Yakima.  For more info or assistance, call or stop by the Pro-Shop on Friday.
We wish everyone a happy and safe Independences Day!  The Yakima River Pro-Shop will open once again on Friday, July 5th.

June 29th, 2002

 
After several scorching hot summer days, cooler temperatures have arrived in the Yakima River valley.  Warm, sunny days dominated the last week of June as day time highs pushed the mercury into the upper 90's.