|
|
|
|
|
After a record setting hot summer, Blackstone lake
reopened in late September for Fall fishing. The
weed growth in the shallow sections of the lake,
grew under the sizzling summer sunshine. With
very little wind during the month, relief to those
areas of Blackstone never occurred. With warm
days lasting well into the middle of the month the
lake turned over. The growth that had been
nurturing the lake throughout the year, busted loose
and floated to the lakes surface. The fishing
remained consistent, however with the temperature
change, the larger Blackstone rainbows took to the
deep depths of the west end searching for a cool
reprieve. There they find it with depths of
over 30 feet. |
|
|
|
|
| This past
week excesses Fall winds kicked up, providing the effect we were
looking for to the lakes water conditions. White capping waves
quickly cleaned the surface sending the overgrowth of weeds to the
banks of the lake. The weed growth now has been dispersed and the
majority of the lake is now fishable, including the south end as
well as the new area to the west. The lake is in great shape
for fishing. |
 |
The
Callibaetis hatches have been good during the morning. As
the spinners appear, Blackstone rainbows cruise the fall slurping
the gray mayflies from the surface. Small damsel fly nymphs
are still a factor as they migrate during the warm afternoon.
Walking the banks of the lake, sight fishing with Hopper
imitations remains consistently good and gives guests the
chance to get out of their tubes and see the actions as it
happens. |
|
Blackstone
Water Boatmen-(Top & Bottom View) |
|
|
|
|
Sinking tip, clear intermediate or full
sinking lines have been used this past week, however with the cooling
trend continuing, the larger fished that are hunted at Blackstone will
begin to move out of the deep depths and once again carouse the banks
feasting on aquatic forms. |
|
|
|
|
|
With water temperatures
on the rise at Blackstone Lake, several varieties of
still-water aquatic insects are now emerging from one
of Central Washington's premier pay to play
fisheries. As
irrigation canals fill around the valley for summer
water requirements, the depths of Blackstone have
also begun to deepen. Water fluctuations play
a key role in the lake during the month of May as
ground water springs regulate the supply of water
within the lake.
As water heights rise, heavy, lead core sinking
lines have been called upon to reach some of the
deeper depths of the lake, especially in the west
end of Blackstone. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Chironomids are the mainstay of any lake
and Blackstone is no exception. The morning activities begin
with hatches of midges as fish feed vigorously on the first emergence
of the day.
A floating line is sufficient with a
imitation fished 4 to 6 ft. As the day progresses and the sunshine
aluminates warm light over the Kittitas Valley, Damsel
flies and Calliabeatis Mayflies begin emerging. During this
time, Blackstone fly fishermen are having repeated successes striping
nymph imitations accordingly.
Sight-fishing is also productive as
cruising trout enthusiastically give up their holding depths as
they feed methodically on Calliabeatis Duns stranded on the
surface. |
|
Blackstone Rainbow (May 2003) |
|
|
|
|
The Blackstone spring season will continue
through the month of May, but as June approaches water temperatures
will become dangerously high near the lakes surface and the lake will
close for the summer. If you are planning a trip to Blackstone
this spring, we would advise make arrangements quickly. Some
days are still available. |
|
|
|
|
|
As we usher in the month
of April to the Kittitas Valley, the days of March
have produced some farther fine fishing at
Blackstone Lake. Large rainbows have crept out
of the deep depths of the lake and have once again
began cruising and foraging along the shelves, edges
and drop-offs of the lake. Here, healthy
rainbows are feasting on scuds, leeches and the
intense Chironomid hatch that is occurring at this
time. |
|
|
| In the
early morning, Blackstone rainbows can be found cruising the banks
along the circumference of the lake in search of the freshwater
shrimp that live in abundance within the waters.
Sight fishing can be accomplished
during this portion of the day using imitations to match the
naturals.
As the day progresses, sink tip or
full sink lines are added to the fishermen's arsenal as we go deep
with larger bunny style leeches for the bigger feeders. Those that
prefer Chironomid style fishing are being kept busy from tubes and
pontoon boats throughout the main areas of the lake. |
 |
|
|
|
|
With our mild winter, the Blackstone
rainbows have faired very well. Over the past several weeks, we
have hooked, landed and lost many fish over the 25" range. At
this time, fish are now averaging 18 to 20 inches at the lake. With
what we have seen during the month of March, we expect this spring to
perhaps witness some of the largest fish the lake as yet to produce. |
|
|
|
|
|
As spring weather has
it's way with our rivers, the alternatives are some
of Central Washington's best still-waters. The
warmer night and day time highs are beginning to
drive water temperatures up. Hatches of
Chironomids are lighting up the waters at Blackstone
and driving the fish into a high intensity feeding
mode. |
|
|
|
With warmer water temperatures occurring,
the lake has begun it's yearly turn over, however this hasn't slowed
the Blackstone rainbows or the many aquatic insects that live within
it's waters. Good hatches of Midges are happening now! The
fish have also been highly receptive to leech and streamer imitations
in bright and dark colors due to the off color of the water
conditions. |
|
|
|
Late last month several new additions were
constructed around the lake to provide fly fishermen with a more
diversified fishing day at Blackstone. The "Damsel Flat" that
was constructed last year has been lengthened and water depths of 20
ft have been added in places. Also, the small pond on the west
end of the lake has now been extended and a full rock bottom canal
from the pond to the main lake has been created. This is going
to be one of the funniest additions to the lake this year. It has
become a main cruising area for fish as they move back and forth from
the main lake through this canal to the smaller feeding area. This water way canal will
provide anglers with some very exciting dry fly, sight fishing this
spring and fall. |
|
|
|
|
|
After a mild winter in the Kittitas Valley,
Blackstone Lake has reopened for it's 2003 spring
season. The majority of the lake stayed ice
free this past winter. The ice on the south
end of the lake did begin to thicken in January,
however the warming days added with the heavy rains
of last month took care of it quickly. The south end
receives warm sunshine the greater part of the day
and the natural spawn that takes place each spring
has come and gone. |
|
|
 |
The Kamloops trout that reside within
Blackstone began their natural spawning activity last month.
Over a dozen larger mature trout where actively building spawning
redds along the river rock bottom and sides of the lake. Those
that fished the lake last year were treated to watching this activity
during the day. The lakes water
temperature is hovering in the high 40's and the fish are active.
Chironomids, scuds and leeches are the main stay of the food source at
the moment. However, terrestrials such as red and black army
ants, flying ants and beetles are busy around the lake. Several
new ant hills have been erected over the past few weeks.
|
|
These small terrestrials can be an
important food source throughout the spring and summer for Blackstone
rainbows. The breezy days especially! The fish are in
great shape and we look forward to showing everyone the Blackstone
Lake experience. |
|
|
|
Call early to book your spring trip on
Blackstone Lake! |
|
|
|
|
|
After a successful
season on "Blackstone Lake" the inevitable days of
winter have arrived in the Kittitas Valley.
The lake is now starting to develop a thin layer of
ice on the south end, leaving little room for the
migratory water fowl. A 1/4 of the west end of
the lake will most likely stay ice free through the
winter months, providing plenty of oxygen for fish
and feed. We look forward to the upcoming
spring 2003 season. Thanks to everyone that
made this years season at the lake a success. |
|
|
|
|
|
As
Autumn tightens its grasp over the Kittitas valley,
changes begin occurring on a daily basis and the
lake is no exception. The colder nights have
dissipated the damselfly-dragonfly activity for the
year. However, as one aquatic insect departs
another emergence begins. Despite the cooling
temperatures, the Grasshoppers continue to roam the
dry, grassy banks of the lake during the warmest
portions of the day.
|
|
|
|
There imitations are still productively taking fish on the surface
around the south and east banks of Blackstone.
Chironomids are a
main stay in any lake and the fertile bottom of Blackstone
produces hatches consistently each day. Most days the
emergence of Midges last all day.
Calliabaetis show up sporadically throughout the lake during the
warming part of the morning. Sight fishing to large gulpers
over the past week has provided us with plenty of match the hatch
fishing.
Water irrigation was cut earlier in the week and the lake is now
on a constant drop in height. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
The
Fall fishing is starting to settle in and has become
highly apparent around the lake. The Popular
and Cottonwood trees that provide shelter from the
howling valley winds are beginning to shine.
The seasons colors blend in the background as the
Stuart Range still stands untouched by the upcoming
winter snows. Blackstone is a nice place to
spend a day. Besides the scenery, the
fishing hasn't been bad either! The lake is still provide fly
fishermen with plenty of dry fly action. |
|
 |
The
cold nights have yet to terminate the Grasshopper growth around
the lake. The medium to large size Hoppers continue their presence
along the dry, grassy banks of the lake. As the day time
temperatures reach into the 60's, the Blackstone rainbows get
active and cruise the banks looking for an easy target. The
warmer days are also producing a Damsel fly and Callibaetis hatch.
Sight fishing gulpers along the shelves and ledges with
appropriate patterns this past week has provided plenty of
excitement. The trout's activity level increases during the
intensity of each hatch. If the valley winds pick up a bit,
we go under with a slough of patterns that entice the rainbows
throughout the day. |
|
|
|
|
|
We
are pleased to announce the fall season on
"Blackstone Lake" is now open and professional
guided fly fishing to the lake are being conducted.
The lake and fish are in great condition after the
hot summer. Some weed growth is present in the
lake, but nothing unusual for this time of year.
It in no way hinders the fishing at Blackstone.
Those
lake fly fishermen that prefer dry fly fishing now
is the time! |
|
|
The hot summer days have propitiated the
growth of hoppers along the banks of the lake, especially the east
side and the fish are actively taking big hopper patterns on top.
The terrestrial fishing will continue until the cold nights arrive in
the Kittitas Valley. Calliabaetis Mayflies are also emerging
during the afternoon and gulpers can be seen waking throughout the
lake. The warm, sunny days are also producing intense hatches of
adult blue, green and red damsels. The Chironomid fishing
is always consistent at Blackstone. |
|
|
Call the pro-shop in Ellensburg to arrange
your day of private fishing at Blackstone....888-950-FISH! |
|
|
|
|
With the first weeks of August already
history, September and the re-opening of Blackstone Lake are not far
away. We are projecting a mid-September date for the opening of
the lake. Bookings are now being accepted. Dates have
already begun to fill for October, so reserve your spot early this
year. This pay to play lake has grown very popular with many of
our clientele. The kamloops have summered very well, due to the
unusual cooler weather. Abundant Damsels, Dragons and a variety of
Terrestrial insects have provided nourishment over the summer. You can
expect great dry fly fishing during the last parts of September
lasting well into the month of October. |
|
|
Feel free to call us toll free to reserve
your day....888-950-FISH! |
|
|
June
4th, 2002 |
|
|
|
|
The warming temperatures have finally arrived in the Kittitas Valley
and unfortunately I have to report the fabulous fly fishing that we
experienced this spring at "Blackstone Lake" has come to a close.
The surface temperature has risen several degree's over the past few
days and the lake has begun it's yearly "turn over". |
|
|
This effect of water warming steadily causes algae and other plant
life in the lake to bloom producing green, stale water.
Blackstone is now closed for the summer and will resume
fishing once water temperatures become cooler. This typically occurs
sometime during the month of September. Bookings for fall
fishing on the lake are still being taken. |
|
|
Fortunately, the lake depths will protect the kamloops, steelhead and
triploid trout as they descend to it deep depths over the next several
months where the water is cool. Water and lake depths range from
15 to 40 feet. This will provide the fish with adequate
protection from the hot Kittitas summer sun. |
|
|
For Fall fishing you can expect great dry fly fishing through
September and October with Hoppers and other Terrestrial imitations.
Calliabaetis will also be hatching in great numbers in the fall on
Blackstone. Expect to see plenty of Damsel Flies on the water
through the month of September as well. Fall is a beautiful time
to fish, especially in the "Yakima River Valley". Feel free to
contact us over the summer with any questions or booking dates
for the lake. 888-950-FISH |
|
|
|
|
As irrigation season
kicks into high gear throughout the valley, the
water depth of Blackstone has now risen well
over 2ft in just the past 10 days. With
larger concentrations of ground water now filtering
into the lake on a daily basis, water temp's have
dropped slightly, slowing the damsel migration
for the time being. We are beginning to see the adults,
however not in great numbers.
When we experience the warmer mornings, less
breezier days in the Kittitas Valley, the migration of damsel flies is
concentrated in the shallow sections of the
lake. |
| |
"Blackstone Lake Damsel Nymph" |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
The adults quickly separate from their
husk during the later part of the morning and take flight. Both
olive and blue adult Damsel are showing up consistently on these
warmer days. The Calliabaetis Duns have been sparse on some days
due in part to the spring breeze that was blowing several days last
week. The nymph imitations however have been very productive on
these days. The trout are keenly aware of the migration underway
and a good damsel fly pattern will work magic. Dragons are not to be
overlooked on Blackstone as well over the next few weeks. |
|
 |
|
"Scott S3
Fly Rod Testing On Blackstone-May 2002" |
|
The
colder days and nights here in the valley have kept the lake cool
and the trout are in a active feeding frenzy. Blackstone rainbows
have been making a mockery of tippets,
crushing them effortlessly. However, several clients over
the past 2 weeks have retained membership in the new
25" inch club. The largest fish caught and
released last week was
a measured 28 1/2 inch rainbow.
The Chironomid's continue to be the
mainstay in the trout's diet. The now famous "Blackstone
Chironomid" has been working over time as guide John Lease works
tirelessly at the vise cranking them out lake side. Fishing an
imitation at 5 to 6 ft of depth will put you right in the feeding
zone throughout the majority of the lake. |
|
|
|
Due to higher water temperatures the lake
will be shut down sometime in the month of June. If you would
like to experience this fabulous private Stillwater fishery, please
call us and book your day at Blackstone soon. |
| |
|
|
|
Over the past week, water height in the lake has began to rise primarily due to the higher flows contributed with the snow pack runoff from the Cascades.
Last week the warm weather here in the valley caused a increase in water flows and the Yakima River was up pushing at it's banks. As the ground water begins to replenish from last year's irrigation demands, the lake will reach full capacity.
For those unaware of the history of the lake, Blackstone is feed entirely by ground water with several springs supplying fresh, clean ground water.
|
|
|
|
|
"The Damsel Flat" that was created last month has begun filling, taking on water. Depths of 3ft now cover this newly constructed area of the lake. The Blackstone rainbows has already taken to the flat and sight fishing them over the weekend with Caddis Emergers and Chironomid's was exciting and productive. |
|
|
Water temperatures remains in the low to middle 50's and the trout are actively feeding throughout the day. Caddis in a variety of sizes have been hatching on a regular basis and LaFontaines Sparkle Caddis Pupa in olive has been deadly. Leech patterns and big ugly rubber leg streamers have also been very effective later in the day when the big Blackstone "Beast's" begin to get active and search out prey. |
| |
|
|
|
This past week Blackstone has started to experience a change in water temperatures and the slight variation has both Mayflies and Midges hatching in great numbers. Chironomid's
begin emerging in the mid morning and the fish are actively taking
both surface and subsurface strains of the insect. Sight fishing
big cruisers along the ledges and pools of the lake has been fantastic
on days when the valley experiences no "wind". Days when the
valley breeze kicks up, section of the lake can still be accessible to
this fishing. However it can be much more difficult to fish the
dry fly during these periods. Productive days can still be
accomplished at Blackstone during these times |
|
|
Bloodworms and the now famous John Lease "Blackstone Chironomid" pattern has been deadly. Those acquainted with the lake are finding a whole new Blackstone experience in this fly. The lake remains lower than normal, but the newly created "Damsel Flat" (created specifically for damsel fishing in May and June) is beginning to take on water. Once it fills, sight fishing Damsel patterns throughout this 2-3ft flat will be exciting. The fish are feeding at different water depth's, so a type III sink tip as well as a dry line are recommended for the lake at this time. May dates are now limited. Please call us toll free for further booking information. 888-950-FISH |
| |
|
|
 |
| |
| |
"The Blackstone Lake Calliabaetis Mayfly" |
|
|
|
This weekend sparked the first Calliabaetis emergence on "Blackstone". Although on Sunday the hatch was light and short lived, the Blackstone rainbows were receptive to imitation fished on the surface. As the week progresses the hatch of this still-water Mayflies will begin to occurring daily in good numbers. The Chironomid
activity has been thick and by mid-morning hatches of these big
Midges have the Blackstone rainbows cruising just below the
surface feasting. |
|
Sight-fishing the dry fly emergers and cripples to big cruisers has been productive throughout the lake. However days when the spring winds begin to blow, area's of the lake that are hidden and covered is where we will find this type of fly fishing. |
|
| |
|
|
|
The fishing at Blackstone is beginning to ignite. The lake remains low and "sight-fishing" Chironomid emergers to big cruising Blackstone rainbows over the past week as been highly productive. Days have been limited for this type of fishing when the spring winds kick up. On these days there are still places available on the lake where you can find shelter to sight fish. The Lake Sedges have also been emerging during the day and the feeding on them is apparent by the big splashy raises throughout the lake. Calliabaetis Mayflies will be the next stage of fishing at Blackstone and that could begin any day. Some days are still available for the month of April and May, however spots are limited. Please call early to arrange your Blackstone experience. |
| |
|
|
|
Despite the colder temperatures this week, Blackstone continues to fish very well. The snow and cooler temperatures haven't slowed the feeding cycle on Chironomids. The lake remains low and clear and sight fishing to cruising pods of fish with emerger patterns has been challenging and productive throughout the mid-afternoon. The mornings still remain somewhat chilling, so leech patterns, scuds or buggers are ideal until the sunshine warms things up. |
|
|
Blackstone is famous for it's sight fishing with dry flies to big cruising rainbows. This week some new area's of the lake were developed specifically to enhance this exciting type of fly fishing. Dates on the lake are filling very quickly and days are becoming limited. Please call to make your arrangements early. |
| |
|
|
|
The fishing is beginning to heat up at Blackstone Lake. This weekend fly fishermen were treated to the lake's first hatch of Chironomids. Fish were sipping on the surface and feasting below both days. Sight-fishing big fish on
Sunday with small dries was by far the most productive means, working pods of big cruising rainbows. Periodic spells of rain showers worked there way through the valley during the day, providing a prolonged hatch on the lake. With warming weather predicted over the week the fishing is only going to get better. |
 |
|
Blackstone Rainbow (March 2002) |
|
|
| As of now the lake is down about 2ft. in water depth and working the shelves and ledges with dries, streamers and nymphs is very easy. A pontoon or float tube can be used but at this time not needed. It may even limit your potential during the day. Bookings on the lake are beginning to fill, so contact us early for your day on Blackstone Lake! Please call with any questions. |
| |
|
|
| Warm weather the last couple of weeks and some light winds have diminished the ice almost 100% on the lake and we expect "Blackstone" to totally
be ice-free by the end of this weekend. Depending on weather pattern the last part of February will determine if the ice stays completely from the lake or if shallow section form thin layers. If ice does form over night most days are warming quickly and by early mid-afternoon most of the lake re-opens. |
| |
 |
|
Blackstone Lake-February 2002 |
|
The trout are active during the day and as water temperatures increase in the lake the great spring fishing will commence. Their is some slight Chironomid activity, but at this time most of the productive fishing is accomplished with larger size scuds and buggers. Dates are beginning to book early this year for spring fishing. Please call (1-888-950-FISH) ahead for a favorable booking. Pressure is kept low and the lake is being fished 3-4 days per week throughout the spring months.
You may also book your trip easily "online". For information on booking your Blackstone fly fishing adventure, please refer to the link below.
Blackstone Online Booking |
|
| |
|
|
|
With the irregular weather patterns and cold snaps we have been experiencing in the valley, the ice forming on the lake comes and goes. As of now, the lake is only open on the west end, but the ice has thinned dramatically throughout the rest of the lake. The fish have wintered very well and we have been testing the waters once a week throughout the winter when it was feasible. Spring dates are beginning to book up, so if you are interested in fishing Blackstone with us this spring, please make your reservations early. |
 |
|
Blackstone Lake - February 2002 |
|
|
| |
| |
|
