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As the month of November begins, torrential rain showers are now moving across the Yakima River Valley and the central interior of the state.  Each night, large amounts of precipitation has been showering the Columbia River Basin as a multitude of early winter storms pass over the valley.  A late Fall cold snap that arrived late last week, dropped the first of our annual snow around the foothills and high evaluations of the Stuart Range. 

Very seldom do we ever lose the river to rainy conditions, especially this time of year.  Spring is a different story.  However, when early season snow showers blanket the foothills, conditions like this will trigger a melt down and the river will swell.  The bulk of the water is coming out of the Teanaway Valley.  Once the majority of that pre season snow is melted, we should begin to see improvements in water conditions on the Yakima.

The Klickitat River is in the same state as the rest of our Washington Rivers.  Rain showers around Mount Adams and the Columbia Basin have this summer steelhead river quadrupled in volume from what it was this time last week.  Like everything else, conditions will improve in the Klickitat Valley when the rain showers cease.  The Klickitat season remains open until November 30^th.

No opener this year on the Methow River, at least not at this time.  The majority of the Upper Columbia River steelhead have congregated below Priest Rapids Dam and are slow moving up river this season.  If a sudden push of steelhead move up the system and move quickly into the tributaries, an emergency opening on the Methow and Okanogan Rivers could happen.  Once again we wait and see. 

After a searing, record setting hot summer, autumn is now in full bloom across Central Washington and the Yakima River Valley.  Beautiful eye catching colors blend along the hillsides and river banks.  The gleaming colors of Fall; yellow, red and orange light up the banks and hillsides of our Pacific Northwest Rivers.  Our October river mornings begin cool and crisp, but quickly give way to warm, sun drenched afternoons. What a terrific time of the year to be outdoors enjoying yet another Fall fly fishing season. 

The Yakima continues on its consistent October trend of fishing well.  Afternoon hatches of tiny Blue Wing Olive Mayflies sputter on the water, creating a dimple of surface slurping fish.  Some areas of the river are also experiencing a much larger pale colored mayfly called the Light Cahill. 

The Fall Caddis is still a late afternoon and early evening importance and over the past several days, big numbers of Halloween Caddis have been hatching in the Upper and Lower Farmlands of the Yakima.  Large orange bodied imitations, skated and twitched atop the surface is providing some exciting big dry fly fishing.  The big egg laying adult dances across the surface provoking a fish to strike.  Don’t neglect the pupa fished just below the surface as well.

The Klickitat River continues on its Fall trend.  Chinook Salmon, the kings of the river continue to push into the upper waters of this incredible Southwest Washington River.  Wild Steelhead are close behind making their continued journey as well to the upper waters spawning grounds.

The Upper Columbia River between Rocky Reach Dam and Chief Joseph Dam opened this past Saturday for steelhead fishing.  There is still no word on a Methow River Steelhead opening, however the latest report and speculation is that the river will open sometime within the next week?  We continue to monitor the situation daily.

There are still plenty of great Fall fishing opportunities and days remaining.  Get out and enjoy the weather, the water and the spectacular scenery our state has to offer.

Incredible days now dominate the entire Central Washington region as warm, sun filled afternoons are providing outdoor enthusiasts a remarkable October fly fishing experience.  The lush green foliage of summer that grew thick under the hot heat is now blending in an array of color, creating an autumn canvas of incredible beauty.  What an amazing time of the year to be on your favorite Pacific Northwest River.

The Yakima is in true Fall form providing great fly fishing opportunities each day.  Baetis, Mahogany Duns and October Caddis are stealing the show.  The river is in great conditions for both wading and drift boating fly fishermen.  Get out this weekend and enjoy some Fall fishing.

The Klickitat River in Southeast Washington continues to fish well for steelhead.  At this time, Fall Chinook Salmon are beginning their mighty migration into the reaches of the river.  These kings of the Klickitat have been slow to move into the upper reaches, but each passing day we are beginning to see more and more of them. 

Beautiful pre autumn days blast warm waves of sunshine across the Yakima River Valley as day time temperatures soar past the eighty degree mark.  Low night time levels hover around the mid forties creating idyllic daily fly fishing conditions throughout Central Washington.  A transformation is now in its beginning stages along the banks and hillsides of the river.  The lush summer foliage that grew thick under the Yakima River sunshine is beginning to unfold.  A blend of eye catching color and a firm reminder that another seasonal change is close a hand.

River conditions and water temperatures remain at optimal levels and the river now hosts a variety of aquatic insects throughout the day.  Summer foot fishermen confined to the banks and braids of the river, now rejoice as they travel the river with ease.  Drifting anglers find new rowing challenges created by the high waters of summer.  Share the water and practice good river etiquette with fellow anglers and everyone will enjoy their Yakima River fly fishing experience.

Our summer stonefly, the Shortwing Stone continues to be an important part of the daily activity on the Yakima.  Big female stoneflies become active in the earlier portions of the warm afternoon.  The egg laying ritual that occurs has the Yakima rainbows anticipating a large gut busting meal.   Appropriate sized patterns that create a stonefly silhouette will produce a fun and exciting dry fly experience.

Our other big bug that emerges this time of year is also making its appearance as well.  The giant orange Caddis or October Caddis is now an important part of the fishing day as well.  You may see a few sporadically throughout the afternoon however, as the day time temperatures begin to cool these Halloween Caddis will appear, flying erratically across the water.  This is just the beginning stages of this giant Fall insect.  You can expect to see this daily aquatic event occur well into the month of November.

Mayflies as well have become an important factor during the afternoon.  Blue Wing Olives, Light Cahills and Mahogany Dun Mayflies are in their seasonal cycles.  Size 16 thru 22 will at some time during the day become a part of your fly fishing arsenal.  Be prepared with these sizes and the appropriate colors to match these natural mayflies.

Fall Chinook Salmon are also making their journey up river to the spawning grounds of the Upper Yakima and Cle Elum River water sheds. The majority of kings will navigate the waters and diversion dams of the river and return to the upper reaches, however many will delay their travels and bed around the upper and lower Farmlands of the Yakima.   Be aware of their presence and the spawning grounds of these important Yakima River fish.

The Yakima River continues to drop in volume and stabilize as seasonal water flows are reduced.  A river just a few short weeks ago that raged with swift, steady summer current now trickles slowly throughout the Kittitas Valley.  With a steady drop in flow, descriptive water has formed creating pockets, pools and foam lines.  Ideal trout holding water as a variety of aquatic insects make their seasonal debut.

Cooler conditions mixed with sporadic rain showers have occurred throughout the Yakima River Valley over the past several days.  However, day time high temperatures soar to the mid to upper sixties by early afternoon, creating an ideal fly fishing experience under the Central Washington sunshine.

With cooler weather and a steady drop in water temperatures, a variety of Fall aquatics is occurring throughout the Yakima River.  The Shortwing Stonefly cycle is now at its peak.  Each afternoon, the large egg laying females make their ill fated flight across the waters of the river.  The fish are well aware of their presence and eagerly anticipate this belly filling meal.  A variety of floating stonefly imitations are working well during this afternoon event.  With the amount of stonefly activity that has occurred over the past week, we can only assume the remaining days of September will provide us will more of this great  summer stonefly activity.

Another big Fall insect is also creating commotion throughout portions of the Yakima River.  The October Caddis or Halloween Caddis is present in the late afternoons in some areas of the river as well.  Most of the activity at this time is occurring late in the day in sections of the upper and lower farmlands.  Also portions of the Upper Yakima above the town of Cle Elum are experiencing this hatch of giant Caddisflies.  Be prepared with skating imitations as well as pupa patterns to match the natural life stages of this orange bodied insect.

Its also mayfly time once again on the Yakima and several varieties of this aquatic food form are present throughout the day as well.  Blue Wing Olives, Light Cahills and Mahogany Duns are all part of the daily mayfly cycle at this time.  Fishing tiny Baetis patterns in the low light of the canyon or under the shade of the giant cottonwood trees this time of year can provide a fun and humbling Yakima River experience.

Summer steelhead fishing is going strong as great numbers of wild and hatchery fish continue to breach the dams of the Columbia River.  Fish continue to move over Bonneville Dam by the thousands and are now moving upstream in good numbers, most likely due to the cooler weather and water conditions over the past week.  With the change in weather conditions, the Klickitat River in Southwest Washington is now in prime shape.  The water clarity issues we experienced during the month of August and early September have improved greatly.  The glacier of Mount Adams has slowed its daily melting process and the river now has excellent clarity throughout the entire day of fishing.  Clear water conditions over the weekend provided us with some excellent summer steelhead opportunities.  We have limited days available for steelhead fishing in late September and October.  If interested, please contact the pro shop in Ellensburg for remaining dates and availability.   Also note that November is an excellent time for catching steelhead on both the Klickitat and Methow Rivers.  You can experience virtually un-crowded water and plenty of fish in both of these fabulous steelhead systems.

As the month of September begins, water flows on Central Washington’s Yakima River continue to recede.  Local water operations continue to adjust the regulated flows from the main storage impoundments atop Snoqualmie Pass.  The river that just a few short weeks ago was swollen from bank to bank is assuming a whole new identity.  The fast and furious pace of summer fishing has been replaced with a much slower tempo.

With water conditions dropping and improving each day, areas of the river unvisited since the spring have once again become accessible.   Wading and foot fishermen confined to the grassy banks of the Yakima over the high water flows of summer will now find the river volume more manageable.   Continued warm days and lower flows with highs exceeding the ninety degree mark have water temperatures on the rise.  A cooling trend is expected in the Kittitas Valley over the weekend with day time highs expected to reach the high seventies.

Over the long holiday weekend, the Yakima produced a few sporadic insect hatches mainly occurring late in the day.  Thick, dense smoke settled around the valley and along the hillsides on Sunday, blown in from mountain wild fires burning around the Northwest. By Labor Day, blue skies and the hot summer sun blistered its warm rays across the basin.   Today, a wild fire in the upper county burns out of control unmanned due to the lack of manpower and equipment.

The past several days, a small Tan Caddis hatch occurred in areas of the river, which provided a fun and an exciting dry fly experience.  A sporadic mayfly hatch of PMD’s also occurred throughout the day, though not nearly enough to stimulate a full on feed under the day time heat.  However, fish were active during the day and looking for larger size dry flies that imitate the Yakima’s summer stonefly.  The Shortwing Stones are beginning to converge around the banks and boulders of the Yakima in good numbers.  The smaller male of the species is predominate at this time.  However, it won’t be long and the much larger, egg laying female will become an easy target for trout during the afternoon and evening hours.

With the warm weather, terrestrial fishing with Grasshoppers, Ants and Beetles in a variety of sizes and colors is still a viable option throughout the day.

As the month of August comes to an end, a change is evident as the Yakima River continues on its seasonal decent.  A reduction in flows has been steadily occurring over the past ten days.  The once swollen summer river is now beginning to take on a whole new look and feel as the Yakima flows become much more manageable.

Eroding water volumes that pushed heavily along the banks during the months of July and early August have taken a dramatic decrease just in time for the long holiday weekend.  Today, the river is in beautiful condition and you can expect the Yakima to continue to drop as the reclamation district prepares for the seasonal Flip Flop of river operations.

With the flows receding over the past week, the resident trout are also finding relief from the massive summer flow that was coursing through the main stem Yakima this summer.  Fish are beginning to stage in a variety of different water types, knowing for reasons we can not comprehend that the cooler months of Fall are just around the corner.  With less water volume, fish can move with far less effort, distributing themselves in different areas and feed at their discretion throughout the fishing day. This is especially true for those trout that have been confined to the undercut, grassy banks of the Yakima over the past several weeks. The constant casting of your fly tightly to the stream banks is fruitless in most areas.  As the river continues to drop explore the seam edges, rip rap, foam lines and structure throughout the river.  These will be your successful focal points during the months of September, October and November.

With the river dropping into shape for Fall fishing, summer insect hatches are beginning to wind down and a whole new degree of aquatics is beginning to take place.  PMD’s and Yellow Sallie Stoneflies are in their latter stages and are become fair less important of a food source.  Baetis mayflies this time of year become much more significant and much more abundant, making this river resource more appealing to staging fish. 

Both wild and hatchery summer steelhead continue to journey over the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia in great numbers.  These summer fish are heading upstream to many of the tributaries, including the Klickitat River in Southeast Washington.  The Klickitat is seeing a great return of fish this year, however at this time warm weather is creating the yearly summer water cycle that the Klickitat experiences.  In the early morning hours, the Klickitat water conditions flow white from the glacier of Mount Adam’s.  As the day progresses, the water clears and by late afternoon the river holds about three feet of visibility.  How does this happen?  The early morning water is from the previous day’s afternoon heat.  As the day progresses the water clarity improves. This cleaner, clearer water is from the previous night cooler temperatures.  It’s a strange and unique cycle that occurs mainly during the month of August, when air temps exceed the ninety degree mark.  With cooler weather on its way, I believe from past years experience that September will prove to be one fine month for summer steelhead fishing on the Klickitat.   Weather conditions will be mild and “swinging” flies for steelhead will prove to be the most productive method for catching these magnificent fish.  Many of our dates in October are booked full, however the month of September still offers some available dates.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions or booking availability.  You may also refer to the Worley Bugger Klickitat gallery for our fly fishing successes.

As the summer of 2006 unwinds, its clear their will not be a shortage of great fishing prospects this Fall.  The Yakima will be in prime condition during the months of September, October and November.  Steelhead opportunities will abound during these months as well on the Klickitat.  We also anticipate the season opener on the Methow Rivers for summer steelhead the first week of October.  Rumors and speculations still swirl about the possible opening of the Wenatchee River this year for summer steelhead.  Make your plans early and get out and enjoy a great fly fishing experience in Central Washington.

After five weeks of raging, high river flows on the Yakima, reductions in water releases from the Cle Elum Reservoir are now occurring.  Over the past week, a gradual decline in water flows has occurred throughout the Yakima River system.  As we draw closer to Labor Day Weekend you can expect to see this trend continue with the Yakima eventually returning to lower operating conditions just in time for some late Summer fly fishing.

As the river volume decreases, a couple of events are going to occur.   With less water, fish will be forced to move and will begin to form in big pods in specific areas of the river.  Also, an increase in water temperatures will occur, which in turn will ignite the Yakima’s summer stonefly hatch along the banks of the river. Trout that have been confined to the undercut banks of the Yakima most of the summer will find relief from the lower water and begin to move.

The Yakima’s summer stonefly, the Shortwing Stone is now in its beginning stages.  Usually by this time of the month, we are seeing good numbers of them developing along the stream edges of the Yakima.  The high, heavy flows we have experienced over the month of July and early August has detained most of them from their seasonal migration. 

Terrestrial fishing is still of great importance and this food form will continue through the remaining month well into the warm month of September.  Grasshoppers in a variety of colors to match the brushy banks natural surroundings should always be a consideration.  Black and red ants as well should never be overlooked.

Smallmouth Bass fishing in the Lower Yakima is still going strong.  In places, the river bottom is beginning to thicken with aquatic plant life, however it is also creating ideal holding and ambushing staging areas for Smallmouth.

Summer Steelhead fishing is doing well also as more then 5000 fish per day breach the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River.  The remaining month of August, September, October and November should provide us with plenty of steelhead fishing on both the Klickitat and Methow Rivers.  There are some rumors of the possible opening of the Wenatchee River this year under special emergency regulations much like the Methow River.  However, until it happens the rumors are being received with a good deal of skepticism.   If you or your party is interested in a Summer Steelhead trip with us this Fall, please contact the pro shop in Ellensburg for dates and availability.  Fall fishing dates are very popular and are beginning to fill quickly.

The cooler, summer time weather trend continues into the first portions of August as air temperatures in the Kittitas Valley remain well below the triple digit record heat wave of late July.  In fact, day time temperatures have been unusually mild for this time of year and the extended forecast is calling for much more of the same.

The Yakima continues to operate at high levels throughout the majority of the river.  Most of the water at this time is being released from the Cle Elum Reservoir.  The area above the convergence of the Yakima and Cle Elum Rivers is operating at normal capacity for this time of year.  This section of the Yakima allows some good access points and much easier wading opportunities for those on foot.  However, this portion of the river has far less rainbow density then sections of the lower river below the Teanaway River confluence.

As August fishing progresses you can expect to see dramatic changes begin to occur in aquatic insect hatches.  Terrestrial fishing has yet to reach its peak on the Yakima and its surrounding smaller tributaries.  Hoppers, ants, beetles and other insects continue to play their important role during the day.

Just when we thought Yellow Sally Stonefly fishing was coming to an end, sections of the Yakima have once again ignited with these smaller stonefly hatches during the early portions of the day.   Pale Morning Duns and Pale Evening Duns are also hatching throughout the river, but on a far less scale that what we have experienced.  As the month progresses, fewer numbers of these mayflies will hatch, diminishing their importance as a consistent food source for trout. The Light Cahill, a similar looking mayfly in body and color will become much more consistent, usually first appearing in the month of September.

With lower than expect temperatures for this time of year, the Klickitat River in Southeastern Washington remains in optimal condition for summer Steelheading opportunities.  Generally the month of August can be hit or miss as far as water conditions are concerned.  Usually this time of year, the Klickitat’s water clarity flows with an opaque tint during the month of August, due largely in part to a glacier slide on Mount Adams. However, the river is in terrific shape and right now has summer steelhead, both hatchery and wild spread out throughout the system.  If you are interested in fishing this river with us in August and September, please feel free to contact the pro shop in Ellensburg for dates and availability.

Smallmouth Bass fishing in the lower Yakima River hasn’t slowed down a bit.  Portions of the river have gotten weedy in places; however at this time there is still plenty of water to fly fish.  Both top water and subsurface presentations are working equally well during the day. If you are interested in experiencing this amazing fishery and this portion of the Yakima first hand, call the pro shop in Ellensburg for dates and availability throughout the month of August.  It’s great fun!

After a week of scorching hot summer weather, a cooling trend as swept over the Yakima River Valley bringing with it a welcome change.  A triple digit heat wave blasted summer sunshine across the entire state, breaking old records for day time high temperatures in most areas.  Ellensburg recorded 106 degrees, a new all time record for the Rodeo City.

When the Northwest experiences a major heat wave like the one last week, people of all ages look for any way possible to find relief from the searing sunshine.  The lakes, streams and rivers of the state become overrun with swimmers and recreational floaters.  The Yakima River seems to be a favorite for many.  However, problems arise when people in flimsy, inexpensive dollar store floating devices place themselves and others in danger by drifting areas of the river that are extremely hazardous.  To date, the Yakima has now claimed 9 drowning victims this year alone.

The Yakima has always been considered a docile river, one listed with white water rafters and kayakers to be a Class 1 river.   This may be true, due to it slow, gradual decent from the Cascade Mountain Reservoirs east of Snoqualmie Pass.  However, the immense volume of the water that is flushed from the impoundments of the Yakima, makes it extremely volatile and dangerous this time of year.  Swift, fast moving summer currents sweep you quickly down stream leaving little or no time to get out of the way of snags, sweepers or other debris stationed in the river.  During this time of year, drifting the lower Farmlands section (KOA TO RINGER ROAD) without an experience oarsmen or from a floatable device without a rowing frame is not recommended.  Please use good commonsense and judgment when drifting the river in August. The river continues to operate at summer time flows.  It’s big, fast moving water and most likely will continue to course with heavy water most of the month of August.

On a little lighter note, fishing over the past week has been good, despite the large volume of water and the excessive heat.  Water temperatures are fluctuating, operating around the mid fifty degree mark during the day.  Ideal for actively feeding trout.

Hatches of Yellow Sally Stoneflies and Pale Morning Dun Mayflies are still occurring as well.  Both are happening in far greater numbers in the upper sections of the Farmlands at this time.  Late evening summer Caddis occur daily at dusk throughout the Farmlands and Lower Yakima River Canyon.

It’s the time of year once again when many of our western rivers begin dropping in volume and their water temperatures soar significantly.  Trout fishing slows during the heat of the day on many of these well known streams, as bright sunny conditions beam hot summer sun across the river.  For us, we experience a 180 difference on the Yakima River. 

As the forecast calls for hot blistering days ahead, demands for more irrigation water from local area farmers has increased.  The river has swollen to this Central Washington’s stream banks as more releases from the Cle Elum Reservoir have occurred.   This bottom feed reservoir is discharging large volumes of water at this time.  Those fly anglers looking to wade the river effectively during the day are going to find it much more difficult this week then previously experienced earlier in the month.  Look for braided channels and islands situated in the river bottom.  Here, river volume is broken up and many of our resident trout take refuge in these areas during high water flows.

With warm temperatures forecasted over the next several days, you can expect the grasses along the river to thicken under the warm Kittitas Valley sunshine.  These dense grasses will provide shade and cover for resident rainbows as well as a home for many of the rivers terrestrial organisms.   Grasshoppers will flourish and grow under the hot, desert sunshine and ants, beetles and other non aquatic life forms will thrive along these tall, thick grasses. 

Yakima River anglers will welcome a cool afternoon breeze and the stimulating feeding events it can provide as the wind blows through these grasses along the river bank.   Here, small Grasshoppers, black and red ants as well as a variety of beetles become easy targets for an afternoon feed.

Late morning P.M.D. hatches are occurring in good quantity throughout much of the Lower Farmlands and Southern Canyon section of the Yakima.  Large spinners hover above the water in the latter portions of the afternoon as well.   Yellow Sally Stoneflies are still occurring, but over the past week not in great numbers. 

Attractor style dry fly fishing and combination dropper fishing throughout areas of the river are a welcome change this time of year.  Its fun and challenging fishing throughout the day as you float from a safe, comfortable drift boat and propelling casts within inches of the undercut banks.

Late afternoon and early evenings are providing summer time Caddis hatches at this time.  Each section of the river experiences this summer time phenomenon, however each area also experiences it in different levels of degree.  Expect much better, more intense hatches of evening Caddis hatches throughout lower portions of the Yakima throughout the remaining days of summer.

The Klickitat River in Southeastern Washington got off to a slow start in June, however now this fabulous river is starting to produce some good summer steelheading opportunities. With the Columbia River heating up, summer steelhead are pouring over the Bonneville Dam, moving into cooler tributary rivers.  Water flows on the Klickitat are much higher then last year and water clarity is about 6 to 8 inches at this time.  Warm weather over much of the state throughout the next several days could produce cloudier conditions. Many of our guiding days for the first portions of the October season are already spoken for; however September, late October and November still provides great steelheading opportunities on the Klickitat with flies.  If you interested in experiencing this fantastic summer steelhead fishery with us, please contact the pro shop early this year.

Smallmouth Bass fishing in the lower Yakima River isn’t slowing down even with the hot warm days the Tri-Cities is experiencing.  If trout fishing has slowed for you and you aren’t finding as much luck, don’t’ discriminate against the Smallmouth Bass.  Pound for pound they will pull, punch and fight as hard or harder as any of their freshwater brethren.  If you are interested in experiencing this fly fishing and this portion of the Yakima first hand, call the pro shop in Ellensburg for dates and availability.  Its ton of fun!

With the middle of the month quickly approaching, summer time fishing on Central Washington’s Yakima River is in full swing.  River flows continue to operate below the normal stage of operation for this time of year. However, despite the warm July days, thermometer readings in the Upper Yakima River Basin continue to maintain an optimal high fifties temperature, creating ideal rainbow activity throughout the day.

A mixture of aquatic insect activity will occur during the fishing day.  Pale Morning Dun Mayflies are still a late morning event throughout much of the river.  Each day we see this cycle begin approximately 11:00 a.m. and continue over the course of the day.  Be prepared with patterns to match this mayfly in size #16.

Stonefly hatches are a constant occurrence during the fishing season on the Yakima River.  This month, Yellow Sally Stoneflies are an important food form and will be hatching during the latter portions of the day, especially throughout portions of the Upper Farmlands and Cle Elum area of the Yakima.  Lower areas of the river will experience some light Yellow Sally activity.

Our summer stonefly, the Short-wing Stone is also beginning to form along the stream banks of the Yakima at this time.  This is by far our most prolific stonefly on the river.  It’s also one of the largest the river produces, falling just smaller then the monster Salmonfly in girth. 

The Smallmouth Bass fishing in the Lower Yakima is on fire!  Water and air temperatures are warm in this portion of the river; however it is producing some fine smallie fishing.  Wet fly and surface popper fishing is providing plenty of streamside action throughout the day for this fantastic freshwater game fish.

The Yakima is in fine condition for summer fishing and the weekend outlook for weather is calling for ideal conditions with highs in the lower eighties.  It’s a great time to be out with family and friends enjoying the summer weather.

Early morning aquatic insect activity includes good hatches of Yellow Sally Stoneflies and Pale Morning Duns.  As air temperatures begin to soar, the aquatics will begin to slow, especially in areas of the river that provide very little shade. 

With the warm days, Lower Yakima River Smallmouth fishing has heated up!  Staging and late spawning Smallmouth are active during the day.   Guarding males are fiercely protecting spawning areas and are providing plenty of fly fishing excitement.  Gigantic River Carp are in the heat of their spawn as well as they perform mating rituals along the shallow edges and ledges of the Lower Yakima.   Males and females enter twine stirring up sand and silt with all the commotion.   You can expect Smallmouth Bass fly fishing in the lower river to remain productive over the next several months.

The staff and management of Worley Bugger Fly Co. wishes everyone a safe and happy 4^th of July weekend.   We will be closed on the 4^th, enjoying time with our families.  We hope you do the same.

After a week of high water flows, turbid water conditions and cooler temperatures, river flows on the Yakima from top to bottom have dropped off considerably.  A downpour of rain showers in combination with melting high elevation snow pack as well as water releases from the Yakima River Reservoirs had the river swollen from bank to bank.

Much drier conditions this week and a reduction in water from the Cle Elum Reservoir have this Central Washington trout stream dropping once again?  At this point bank and wading anglers will still find high water conditions for safe and effective fishing conditions.   With warm temperatures expected for the weekend as well as the coming week, I would expect to see more water being released to meet irrigation needs in the valley.  Reduction in releases from the Naches River reservoir system will put more demand on the much larger Yakima system.

Yellow Sally’s and P.M.D.’s continue to the major insect attractions during the main portion of the day.  Some Green Drake action has been happening throughout the Farmlands section of the Yakima, however it’s been sporadic.  With the river now beginning to settle, we could begin to experience a more consistent daily hatch in this area of the river.  The Golden Stones are still happening in the early portion of the afternoon, so searching the top water with big dries has been effective.  Most likely we will see an erratic pattern of these large size stoneflies hatching throughout the remainder of the month.

Late afternoon Caddis hatches have been unpredictable as well throughout the Yakima system.  Presumably due to the blustery evening winds that have occurred during this portion of the day.  Once the wind lays down, summer Caddisflies will be a more consistent occurrence.

With reservoir reduction happening over the past several days in the Naches Drainage, the Lower Yakima has also dropped like a rock.  Smallmouth Bass fishing has fired up again.   This is spawning and staging time for Yakima River Smallmouth, so the next several weeks should bring some terrific smallie fishing. 

Steelhead counts over Bonneville Dam are starting to look much better as well.  With the drier conditions in the is portion of the state as well, the Summer Steelhead fishing on the Klickitat River should begin producing some early hatchery fish.  Expect the wild run to begin in the early portions of August.   A full report on the Klick coming soon.

As the start to the summer season gets underway, river flow and conditions on Central Washington’s Blue Ribbon Trout Stream couldn’t be finer.  This first portion of the month, we are experiencing lower than normal river flow, which in turn is creating some dynamic insect activity on the Yakima. 

With lower water volume and an increase in water temperatures, a host of aquatic insect activity is occurring throughout the upper portions of the Yakima River.  Golden Stoneflies, Yellow Sally Stoneflies, Pale Morning Dun and Pale Evening Dun Mayflies and several sizes and varieties of Caddisflies are occurring throughout the fishing day. 

Today, river flows are operating below normal.  As seasonal temperatures remain on the cooler side we expect to see the river remain at this volume over the next several days.  The Naches River, a large lower Yakima River tributary that merges with the Yakima at the town of Selah now is operating at extremely high levels. At this time, reservoir releases are being drawn from the Rimrock and Bumping water impoundments. 

The Upper Yakima trout fishery at this time is probably fishing the best it has all year.  With lower flows and great insect hatches, the trout are feeding in all portions of the water column.  The dry fly fishing has really improved over the past week.  Afternoon hatches of Pale Morning Dun’s and Yellow Sally Stoneflies are providing some match the hatch fishing.  Early afternoons are also providing us with Golden Stoneflies as well.  

As warmer days prevail, the banks of the Yakima are beginning to thicken and flourish with stream side foliage.  You can expect, Terrestrial fishing to become an interracial part of the daily events this month as well.  Ants, Beetles and Grasshoppers will once again be an important food form during the hot days throughout the months of summer.  Be prepared with a variety of these trout favorites in your boxes.

The Summer Steelhead fishing on the Klickitat River opened on June 1^st.  The first week has produced some fish, however, unfavorable; high water conditions at this time have slowed fishing.  Higher Steelhead counts now moving over Bonneville Dam are now occurring and if the trend continues, some late June or early July opportunities for catching Klickitat Summer Steelhead could become available.  We are also keeping a close eye on these changes river conditions as well.  Feel free to contact the pro-shop in Eburg for information or dates and availability.

As the start of the three day holiday begins, a cooling trend has swept across the Yakima River Valley.  This past week normal consistent May weather temperatures have occurred. Most days we have experienced an afternoon thunder showers moving across the basin, dumping heavy amounts of moisture around the river bottom.

Despite the precipitation, the Yakima continues to drop in river volume.  Water clarity and turbidity has greatly improved with the Upper River and Upper Farmlands area now showing about 2 feet of visible conditions.  The Lower Sections of the Farmlands around Ellensburg and the Yakima River Canyon are showing less signs of river clarity today.  However, with the continual drop in flows these sections of the river should improve over the next 24 hours. Weekend stream conditions for fishing should be good.

The staff and management of Worley Bugger Fly Co., would like wish all of the veterans past and present a peaceful Memorial Day.  Thank you to all of the US Armed Forces in service here and abroad.

It’s nearly the middle portion of May and an unexpected, unusual event has occurred with Central Washington’s Yakima River.  Cool, spring nights have caused a continual drop in river flows and once again this spring trout stream is in low, wadable fishing condition.  This is something we have never seen or expected to see, especially in the month of May.  The Yakima is in prime spring condition with clear, visible conditions throughout the lower portions of the river.

With Mother’s Day this Sunday, the seasonal Caddisflies have exploded throughout the river.  Early afternoons are producing blizzard blooms of spring Caddis.  Be prepared with dark bodied patterns of pupa, emergers and egg layers.

The March Brown Mayfly is still a major player in the day’s activity as well.  Two o’clock is the prime time of the day for this emergence.  The upper and lower farmlands are producing far greater numbers of this drake like mayfly at this time.