The die hard fly fanatics have been hard at it during the day.  For the most part, tippets rigged with smaller Skwalla Stonefly nymphs and an assortment of enticing trailer flies has been the mainstay.  Working streamers in the deep slow moving waters with a short sink tip during the warm portions of the afternoon has also been part of the daily events.

The river is producing a mass amount of Skwalla Stoneflies this year.  They have been collecting along the banks since late November.  If spring conditions cooperate this year, we should have some very good adult Skwalla fishing.

With only a few short days remaining before the holiday, a Christmas blizzard has settled over the Yakima River Valley insuring the residence of Central Washington, a beautiful white Christmas.  Big flakes of snow began falling late this morning and will most likely continue throughout the day.  With absolutely no precipitation and mild December fishing days this winter storm arrived just in time for the holiday.

The fishing the past couple of weeks hasn’t been typical of what we usually see this time of year, especially with the mild winter days we have experience so far during the month of December.  Some days the fishing has been good while other days not near as predictable.

The midge fishing has been inconsistent from day to day with afternoon sporadic feeding in some of the areas of the river.  We should start to experience better daily hatches after the new year.  The winter snow storms always seem to spur good hatches of midges.

Fishing with nymphs, wet flies or steamer patterns this time of year is much more reliable.  A tandem set up, rigged with a small stonefly pattern as your point fly accompanied by a second trialing fly works best for nymphing situations.  Choose appropriate patterns in size and color for water and stream conditions.

However, exacting fly patterns to duplicate any one specific insect are hardly necessary this time of year.  The trout are not seeing big hatches of aquatic insects and aren’t nearly as picky as they are other times of the season.  The most important factor is fishing the correct depth, the appropriate holding water and maintaining a drag free presentation during each drift. 

The staff and management of Worley Bugger Fly Co. would like to thank everyone for your business this year and we look forward to seeing you in 2008.  We wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.   Thank you to all of the men and women serving in our military around the world. Your sacrifice, especially this time of year is greatly appreciated.  We wish all of you a speedy return.  A happy and safe holiday season to everyone from Worley Bugger Fly Co.

As the first week of December comes to a close, the first major winter storm of the season rolled across our state dumping several inches of precipitation.  Cities east of the Cascade Range never escaped the storm as the snow dumped several inches of powder on the Yakima River Valley, creating a virtual winter wonderland just in time for the Christmas season. 

Unfortunately, the snow turned to rain and the base layer of pack that was building in the foothills of the Cascades quickly turned to mush.  Several of the major tributaries of the Yakima filled quickly with water swelling bank to bank.  Discharge from these small mountain streams rushed into the main stem of the Yakima driving flows up, creating high, murky winter water conditions.

The dry weather over the past several days, accompanied by chilly December nights has the Yakima’s water conditions quickly dropping and clearing.  The river is returning to its winter mode as less and less water volume streams through the main stem. Today the river is in good shape and the winter fly fishers are out enjoying the blue skies and sunshine.

Before the sudden change in water conditions, the Yakima was fishing well for the start of December.  The Skwalla Stoneflies have begun amassing in their winter migration along the banks of the river, so stonefly nymph patterns fished appropriately were productive during the warmest portions of the day.  With the big drop in water, this productive type of fly fishing has resumed.

Remember its also Whitefish and Sculpin spawning time so both of these species are busy during the day in specific areas of the river.  A sinking tip line is a good tool to carry this time of year if you want to try your hand at Sculpin fishing.

Rocky Ford Creek, north of the towns of Epharta and Moses Lake draws plenty of attention this time of year.  While the river was out of shape early this week, local Ellensburg fly fishers visited this small fly fishing only creek and found cooperative rainbows.  Most were fishing small midges and nymphs just under the surface.  Most times the “Ford” fishing consistently good throughout the months of winter.

As the start of the holiday hustle and bustle begins, the first big storm of the season has blanketed the valley and surrounding hillsides in a deep insulating layer of snow.  The flakes began falling yesterday afternoon and continued on into the night, accumulating several new inches of base layer.  Today, the snow continues to trickle, creating a winter wonderland throughout the river valley.

With the sudden changes in weather, water and air temperature, the aquatic insect hatches of fall have come and gone for the year.  Now another set of circumstances begins evolving on the Yakima.  Fish of all species begin forming in their winter holding lies and food forms, diet and their feeding activity changes.

Winter fishing isn’t for everyone.  Personally I enjoy this time of year on the river, I always have.  As a boy I spent every Sunday with family on the Jefferson River in Montana fishing from the ice shelves for rainbows and browns.  It’s peaceful, quiet and the fishing can be quite good.  To be comfortable and enjoy yourself you have to have the right gear and layer appropriately.  If you don’t dress for the conditions you’ll be miserable, cold and jaded.  During the winter months certain elements begin occurring that peak the interest of fish and keep trout on the feed.  Whitefish begin their yearly spawning cycle and take over the tops of the shallower riffles and runs of the river. 

Winter is also a time when exacting fly patterns to match a specific hatch aren’t nearly as important as fishing the right water, the correct depth and the right presentation.  Low, clear water conditions give fish plenty of time to see and react to a fly.  A drag free drift the majority of the time will initiate a response.   Dragging your flies keeps you out of the zone and out of the fish.

This is also the period of the season when midges become an important food form for fish.  This can be a fun and exciting dry fly experience in the afternoons.  This week with the warmer weather, Yakima River fly fishers have found good midge hatches forming in the slow moving pools and foam lines of the river.  Fish of all species will take part in the feed, especially when a dense hatch of midges is occurring.

Steelhead fishing for the year comes to a close on the Klickitat on Friday.  I have to say it was a good year for fish despite the lack of fall salmon in the river.  It was fun to fish with everyone and we look forward to the opening of next year’s season in June.  I spent one day on the Methow last week with two local fellows.  Despite the colder temps and lower water conditions we did hook up two fish.  Unfortunately both came unbuttoned.  A quote from the famed steelheader, Lani Waller, “it happens, but I sure don’t like it”.  The Methow will remain open until the last day of March.  If conditions cooperate this spring set your sites on March fishing on this fabulous Northern Cascades steelhead stream.  It will be good

It’s the end of an era as our aquatic insect hatches on Central Washington’s, Yakima River begin to diminish and fade away for the season.  However, nobody has been complaining.  Fly fishermen from all areas of the state have been enjoying our warm weather the past couple of weeks through the first portions of November.  Typically by now, we experience thick, frosty mornings and snow covering the low lying hillsides of the Ellensburg river valley.  No sign of the white stuff yet even though they have predicted it over the past couple of days.

Each afternoon a small little window of Baetis fishing will open up and you will have an opportunity to experience some match the hatch fishing.  These tiny mayflies will begin emerging late in the day in the slower tail outs, foam lines and pools of the river.  Delicate, precise presentation is the formula for success.  It can be a fun and challenging, sometimes frustrating style of fly fishing , but mayfly match the hatch fishing at its best. 

Most days it lasts only a short time with a mixture of the bigger Mahogany Duns making an appearance as well.  This one’s hard to miss as they centralize with the Blue Wing Olive.  A larger, brown bodied mayfly, it’s cycle is short lived as the hatch of this slow water emerger is beginning to narrow for the year also.

Don’t get the impression that because our bigger aquatic hatches are finishing up for the year that the fish in the Yakima will begin some kind of seasonal hibernation through the winter.  Hardly so.  There are plenty of enticing details beginning to occur below the surface that will keep the trout in the Yakima preoccupied over the next several months.  If conditions allow and the river stays in good shape, winter fishing can be exceptional.

Steelhead fishing is still going strong, but the crowds of fishermen is beginning to thin on both the Klickitat and the Methow Rivers.  Not a soul wetting a line on the Methow yesterday.  The Klickitat has been the same.  A late arrival of Fall Chinooks has pushed up the Klick, however not in the big numbers like we usually see every year.  They were late this year showing up as they finish their spawning life cycle. The Klickitat closes for to steelhead fishing at the end of the month.

As the month of October comes to an end and the first day of November begins, the autumn changes have rapidly developed in the river valley.  The trees and shoreline vegetation that were in full bloom just a short time ago along the Yakima have been stripped of their fall flora.  The folliage has fallen to the canvas floor, blanketing the river banks in leaves, brush and other natural debris.

Mayflies each afternoon continue to steal the show in sections of the river.  Baetis and Mahogany Duns both appear in the slow tail outs and foam lines of the river.   The Light Cahill seems to have finished its incredible cycle for the season.

Afternoon weather conditions are much warmer then usual for this time of year with highs reaching the upper fifties each day.  Cool evenings and frosty mornings are common, but the early afternoon sunshine warms things up quickly.  Weekend weather forecasts are calling for ideal November fishing afternoons, so we should see some good insect hatches lasting well through the week.  It looks like Saturday will be the ideal day to spend on your favorite river.

The October Caddis continues its hatch cycle during the day as well in some areas of the Yakima.  The Upper Farmlands and Upper Canyon are places to target to be specific.  This caddis is typically a late afternoon emerger, however I have seen them sporadically hatching throughout the day. 

Steelhead fishing is going gang buster in the central area of our state.  The Klickitat, Methow, Wenatchee, Grand Rhonde and small tributaries of the Walla Walla River are all reporting good catches throughout the day.  With dry conditions this past week, these beautiful Pacific Northwest Rivers are low and clear.

The "Klick" is seeing a push of wild fish entering the system which is normal for this time of year.  The past two years in November the river has been completely blown out, but it looks like this year we are fishing.  The Silvers are also beginning to enter the river and the word is there are good numbers of them at the mouth right now.  The river remains open until the end of the month.

The Methow fished very well last week with warm over cast conditions.  October Caddis are hatching in the biggest numbers I have seen anywhere this fall in areas of the Methow.  Steelhead were boiling and proposing on pupa and emergers during the peak of the hatch.  Bring a good wading staff with you if you plan to fish the river.  Its slick and slimly and will test your river walking abilities.

We have been so busy the past couple of weeks I have yet to try my hand at the Wenatchee.  Reports have been sketchy and I have yet to hear anything consistent.  I am trying to plan a day of fishing their next week but I am not sure if it will happen or not.  I’ll give you an honest report when I do.

Autumn has arrived in the river basin as a banquet of beautiful colors now adorn the banks of the Yakima River Valley.  The green summer foliage has now been replaced with the vibrant fall shades of yellow, orange and red, creating a feast of eye catching contrasts for those enjoying the day along Central Washington’s premier trout fishery.

This weekend we experienced the first frost of fall here in the Ellensburg river valley and our summer plants and gardens felt the full sting of the chilly night air.  Cooler temperatures with some intermittent rain showers blanketed the basin during the weekend.  However, the extended forecast for the week is calling for beautiful warm October days with day time highs reaching into the upper sixties.   Today is gorgeous with just a slight westerly breeze.

The Yakima continues along its fall schedule as river flows and conditions remain consistent for this time of year.  Irrigation return through the KRD ditches was concluded for the season late last week, so we will begin to see improvements in water clarity and color throughout the Lower Yakima River Canyon.  Wilson Creek will steady drop and clear for the winter.  The upper portions above this small tributary remain crystal clear.

Aquatic insect hatches so far this month have been fantastic throughout the river valley.  Each afternoon the river produces a mayfly emergence of Blue Wing Olives, Mahogany Duns and a persistent Light Cahill hatch on a daily basis.  The dry fly match the hatch fishing for Baetis Mayflies has been exciting as a variety of older generation class rainbows and cutthroats feed on this tiny olive bodied insect.  You'll be lucky if you get away with a size 18 this week.

The October Caddis as well is playing an important role during the late afternoons in the Farmlands and upper portions of river.  As the mayfly hatches begins to diminish for the day, fishing a good pupa pattern during the early portions of the emergence is recommended in these areas of the river.  Adult patterns properly presented and fished will also provide plenty of action when egg laying females are present.

October rain showers in the Klickitat Basin earlier this week have played a vital role in the ongoing Summer Steelhead fishing.  The river remained fishable with over three feet of visibility and we are now starting to see a big push of native steelhead push into the river.  Drier weather conditions and over night low temperatures, the past several days has cleaned the water and gin clear conditions have returned.

After a decade of river closures, steelhead fishing on Central Washington’s Wenatchee River opened for the first time today.  WDFW is expecting about 4000 wild and hatchery steelhead to return to the system.  Wild steelhead hooking and releasing mortality will be a major concern for fisheries biologist and they will be watching fish and fishermen carefully.  Like a mentioned before, we will not be guiding the Wenatchee River at all this year.  Treat the river and fish with the respect it deserves and maybe we will see steelhead season each year.  It’s projected to remain open until the last day of March 2008.

It’s that time of year once again when dramatic changes are occurring throughout the Yakima River Valley.  Mother Nature is busy creating a bounty of eye catching colors as the lush summer foliage that grew thick along the stream banks of the Yakima, under goes its seasonal transformation.  The dense cottonwood trees and other river bank vegetation, now aluminates the river basin in a spectacular picturesque presentation.

It’s hard to believe the month of October is already upon us.  However, I don’t believe there is a finer place to spend a day this time of year then on one of our many Pacific Northwest Rivers.  The scenery is spectacular, the afternoon insect hatches are abundant, the weather is warm and pleasant and the fish are more then cooperative.  What more could a fly fishermen ask for?

The mayfly hatches each day have been absolutely fantastic!  This year, the river is producing an incredible Light Cahill hatch that I have never witnessed in my many years of experience on the river.  Each afternoon this size 14 mayfly has been emerging in vast numbers and the fish are taking every available opportunity to fill their bellies with them.  Be prepared with nymphs, emegers and the adult duns in the appropriate size and color to match this all intensive mayfly hatch.

Blue Wing Olives of course are a staple this time of year and are hatching within the same time frame as the Cahill.  At this time, we are seeing a variation in sizes, however the smaller the better for productive Baetis fishing.  Be prepared to fish patterns no bigger then a size 20 to match this tiny mayfly. 

Our October Caddis are playing a significant role in the fishing during the day as well.  Peak periods of the hatch are occurring during the day.   These are typically early morning at first light or late in the evening just before sun down.  However, sporadic hatches of these bright orange caddisflies is happening during the day.  This helps spark the interest of feeding fish and aids in stimulating them to bigger caddis patterns throughout the day.  Also be prepared with pupa, emegers and the skating dry fly to match the Halloween Caddis hatch this month on the Yakima.

The anticipation of a Methow River opening was answered late last week as the news of a summer steelhead season this year was announced on the fish and game website late last week.  Its great news as fish continue their journey up the Columbia.  The river opened this past Saturday and will close the last day of March-2008.  The Wenatchee River will also open on the 22^nd of October after being closed for over a decade.  Tim, Ryan and Dave were inundated with calls about the possibility of guided fishing trips here.  Sorry we will not been guiding the Wenatchee this season.  I know of only a few fly guides that worked this river before its closure and most of them have moved on with other careers.  It will be interesting to see what happens with this fishery over the next thirty days.

The Klickitat is also changing into its beautiful fall mode as well as more and more fish move into the system.  Summer steelhead fishing has been good the past week as more fish move up and through the Klickitat.  The river is also beginning to see more of its Fall Chinook as they stage for their seasonal spawn.  There are even a few Silvers beginning to show up in the lower river that are being caught by several of the gear guides.  

The “Klick” is also producing a great October Caddis, Baeits and Light Cahill hatch during the day.   The river did receive a much need shot of water last week as some light rain showers moved across this portion of our state.  Water conditions were perfect for fishing with just a hint of color on Thursday.  Dry conditions the past several days have the river once again running low and clear.  The Klickitat River Summer Steelheed season remains open until the last day of November.

It’s a busy time for us but we are enjoying every minute of it.  Low, clear water flows on the Yakima and the abundance of bugs is keeping the fish interested throughout the majority of the day.  Warm days throughout the month propitiated the terrestrial activity and fishing during the day with hoppers, crickets, ants, beetles and other dry attractors has provided a great deal of fun.

A late afternoon caddis hatch through the farmlands on days is peaking the trout’s interest as well.  It’s somewhat sporadic from day to day but you may happen to encounter this small blizzard hatch around 4-4:30.   If you don’t happen to see this small tan caddis appear, the early evening hours will produce the granddaddy of all caddisflies, the October Caddis.  This giant, orange bellied caddis are evening and early morning aquatic emergers.  Their pupa movements during the afternoon will also create plenty of excitement along the shallow river beds where they typical emerge.   Expect to encounter and be prepared to experience the “Halloween Caddis” hatch on areas of the Yakima throughout the month of October lasting well into the month of November.

If that’s not enough the Light Cahills and Blue Wing Olives will keep you and the fish preoccupied.   The Cahills have been incredible this season on some sections of the river.  They are also a late afternoon emerger and have been coming off in very big quantities.  A size 14 adult or emerger with a light colored body will do the trick here.

Its also Fall Baetis time on the Yak, so be prepared for the late afternoon Blue Wing hatch.  Sizes will typically range from the larger size 18 to the much smaller 22.    Be prepared with nymphs, emegers and adult duns.   For success, chose the appropriate patterns that fish well and are visible in lower light situations.

The full moon cycle we are now experiencing is blasting a beacon of light over the Klickitat River in Southeast Washington as steelhead use this natural radiance to travel this incredible river.  Clear water conditions and bright sunny, warm afternoons on this Pacific Northwest steelhead river are making the fish a little skittish.  There are fish in the system and more showing up every day.  Fall Kings are moving into the Klickitat system as well, but not in big numbers as of yet.  A few are being caught in the lower river and a few summer fish are in the final stages of their spawn in the upper river at this time.  The river could use a shot of water and may get it in the next day or two.  The extended forecast is calling for some stormy conditions over the next couple of days.  Still no word on the Methow River steelhead opener as of today.

If you haven’t fished all summer or all year(?), get out your gear and head to your favorite river.  It’s a gorgeous time to be on the water!

What a difference a week can make.  With the initial start of the flip flop about ten days ago, Central Washington’s, Yakima River flows have dropped considerably from the big summer water to fall stream flows. 

The river now is accessible to those on foot from bank to bank.  Drift boating the river is still easily accomplished however more rock and other obstacles are now more openly exposed.  Picking and choosing your way around these obstructions is a bit more challenging, but is also half the fun.

The past week the fishing on the river has been fantastic.  With water conditions dropping on a daily basis, fish have been forced to concentrate in specific water types.  Concentrating your efforts on these particular water types will produce all kinds of action for you.  The dry fly fishing has been loads of fun and fish haven’t been overly exacting about what they are willing to eat.

We have experienced a little late afternoon caddisfly hatch that has usually been happening around 5:00-5:30 pm and lasting just a short while.  Light colored imitations have been best.  Also with river flows dropping and the water temperatures increasing just a few degrees, the Summer Stonefly hatch has also intensified, especially in areas of the Farmlands.  Stonefly patterns fished appropriately have also been productive throughout the fishing day.

With night time lows dropping comfortably into the mid fifties in the evenings, Fall mayfly fishing will begin shortly as well.  Warm Ellensburg afternoons reaching the mid eighty degree mark is still a bit to warm to produce good Baetis fishing, however expect that to change sometime during the month.  Fishing with may fly nymph patterns this time of year is always a wise choice.

Dam counts over Bonneville for wild and hatchery steelhead have slowed a bit this week with numbers in the high 4000’s.  The good news is Columbia River water temperatures have dropped and steelhead have begun making their way further up river in good numbers.  Some of these fish are heading to the Methow River system. The gossip about a possible Methow opening we are hearing is good.  The word is to expect a Methow sport fishing season this year after a river closure and no steelhead season last year.   We are eagerly anticipating a fun steelhead season on both the Klickitat and Methow Rivers.  Fall Chinooks are now beginning to enter the Lower Klickitat is small numbers.  Both salmon and steelhead will continue to enter the system well into the month of October.

It’s hard to believe Labor Day Weekend is here already, but as we approach the last holiday of the summer, conditions couldn’t be better here in the Yakima River Valley.  Beautiful, warm rays have blanketed the central portion of our state each day and river volumes on the Yakima River have begun to recede as the annual flip flop of water was initiated late last week.

Late Wednesday flow reductions were started in the Upper Yakima River Basin and river volumes have dropped off dramatically each day since.  The river is in ideal August fishing conditions just in time for the extended three day weekend.  As we approach the first week of September expect this trend to continue until targeted river volumes are reached.

A big, bright full moon the past couple of days in combination with lower water flows has sparked a mass stonefly exodus from the banks of the Yakima.  Shortwing Stones are now congregating in hordes along the edges of the river.  At this time the river is generating mostly the male species, which is typical during the first portions of this incredible stonefly gathering. 

The terrestrial fishing is at its peak now as well.  The extended period of warm, sunny days we have experienced has sparked a grasshopper explosion along the banks and fields of the Yakima.  Hoppers, ants and beetles in a variety of colors and sizes are all working well during the day. 

At this time the aquatic insect activity is fairly sparse.  Chances are you won’t see much insect activity throughout the afternoon portion of the fishing day. The trout are tuned in to other viable fair and with lower water conditions they are able to move much easier for various feeding opportunities. 

Cool nights and sun filled days have the Klickitat River in ideal fishing condition for the month of August.  Believe it or not the river is actually a little to clear for the time of year.  I like to see it flow with a bit more glacier color, but at this time it is flowing almost gin clear.  Summer Steelhead in good numbers continue to stream over the Bonneville Dam in great numbers.  With water temperatures beginning to drop in the main stem Columbia River, we should begin to see more and more steelhead enter the system and begin their migration up river to other tributaries.  Rumor has it a Methow River opener will occur this year, so we are anxiously anticipating this fabulous fishery to open during the first week of October. 

The staff and management of Worley Bugger Fly Co. wishes everyone a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend.

After spending last week traveling along the beautiful port cities of southwest Alaska with family, I returned to find changes beginning to occur throughout Central Washington’s, Yakima River. Summer flows are beginning to lighten in some areas of the river as water flows in the rivers main storage reservoirs has steadily decreased over the summer months.

Unseasonably cool weather is concentrating itself over this portion of the state as air temperatures have dropped dramatically.   Most years, August is scorching hot as day time highs soar to or near triple digit figures most days. 

The river at this point is still operating at summer flows, so wade fishing opportunities are not abundant just yet, however it won’t be long and we will begin to see steady decrease in water throughout the Yakima system.  As the month of August progresses and comes to a close more portions of the river will become available to those on foot and the Yakima will begin to take on a whole new identity.

At this time, several aquatic hatches are petering out for the season and a variety of new insect hatches are beginning their yearly cycle.   

The terrestrial experience is at it peak now as well.  Grasshoppers, ants, beetles are a variety of other funky creatures are at this time thriving in the thick, lush grasses of the river.  Like I had previously mentioned, the Ellensburg wind has been showing up on occasion and sometimes in big doses.  The dense grasses growing along the river banks, creates prime habit for both fish and bugs this time of year.   Wednesday, winds whipping in excess of 30 mph through this summer time foliage certainly helped stimulate the fishing.   Bugs of all kinds are haplessly blown on to the water, creating an easy dining experience for our wild rainbows and cutthroats.

Columbia River Steelhead in excess of 9000 fish per day breached the dam at Bonneville this week as they make their summer journey up river to their spawning grounds.   The Klickitat River is seeing many of these fish as they travel into the cool waters of this Columbia River tributary.   Cool, dry weather this past week has created ideal water conditions on the Klickitat.  We expect the same if dry conditions persist in this portion of the state.

As the last month of the 2007 summer gets started, Central Washington’s, Yakima River continues to pump with water, operating at high summer flows.  Water volumes have remained consistent over the past week with just slight fluctuations during the period. 

Despite the warming weather, surface water temperatures remain in the safe zone with recorded levels at the heat of the day in the high fifties, low sixties.  I would have to say the fishing has varied this week, especially during the high point of the day.  The Upper and Lower Farmlands as well as the Upper Canyon have fished far better during the afternoon then the Lower Yakima Canyon.  However, the caddis fishing in the Lower Canyon has been very good from the earlier evening until dusk.

It seems the fish in the upper sections are really keyed on the terrestrial activity.  Hoppers, ants, beetles and all of the fun attractor style flies that are fun to fish this time of year have produced action all day long. 

The PMD mayfly emergence is still an on going cycle and was still going good this past week.  Good hatches kept the fish interested in the middle of the day on the duns, nymphs and emergers.   Yellow Sallie Stoneflies are still popping during the afternoon as well and remain a viable alternative for fish. 

Our summer stonefly, the Shortwing Stone is starting to show some activity as well.  The big nymph migration is under way in sections of the river as these prehistoric looking creatures crawl along the river rock bottom of the Yakima. 

Our report last week indicated good numbers of Summer Steelhead breaching the Bonneville Dam on the Lower Columbia.  Well our report this week is even better.  Now those numbers have almost double as nearly 6000 summer run steelhead have been logged crossing this first man made barrier on a daily basis.  The Klickitat River is seeing a portion of these fish as they journey into the cool waters of this Mount Adams drainage.  The river is in its summer cycle, so don’t expect crystal clear water.   However this is ideal water for summer on the Klickitat.  You will find success by fishing the right water thoroughly and with the right color of flies.

After a period of boiling hot summer sun, a cool week of cloudy, overcast weather moved across the Kittitas Valley.  With it came a few refreshing rain showers.  This temperature change was a welcome edition and really helped kick the fishing into overdrive.

Under a week of warm summer sun, the green grassy and bank vegetation that grow along the river banks this time of year quickly flourished and sprang up, growing thicker and taller under the valley’s warm sunny rays. 

During the day, working your favorite hopper, terrestrial or attractor pattern along these areas of the Yakima can be a fun and satisfying way to fish.   Water temperatures are optimal for summer, operating in the high fifties, low sixties during the heat of the day.  For keeping the trout’s metabolism cranking in high gear this temperature range is ideal.

Pale Morning Dun Mayflies are also still a daily occurrence for the most part in areas of the Yakima.   Most likely their emergence cycle for the year will begin to fade as the month of August progresses and other interesting aquatic events will begin to unfold.  It is still an afternoon affair, so expect to see them begin after the noon hour on the Yakima.

Another afternoon aquatic experience at this time is the Yellow Sallie Stonefly.  Better hatches have been occurring in the Upper Farmlands and Upper Canyon then other specified areas of the Yakima.   The nymphs are more important and its good to carry several patterns to emulate the natural.  Don’t disregard the adult sallie either.  Fish have been keying on this smaller adult stonefly in shady areas of the river.

The summer caddis is a daily event on the river this time of year as well.  As the sun starts to settle for the day, caddisfly will begin appearing over the water.  It is typically a short lived hatch from day to day beginning at dusk and lasting until dark.  Some nights the hatch persists into the late hours, however fishing it becomes tricky.  The aid of a good set of eyes and a bright headlamp are a necessity.

The Columbia River tributary steelhead, continue to course over the Bonneville Dam in big numbers.  This week nearly 3500 steelhead breached this first dam on the Columbia on their way up river to many of the tributaries.   The Klickitat is producing a good number of hatchery fish at this time.  The river is in its summer cycle as water conditions vary from day to day, hour to hour.   With cooler weather projected in this area of the state and with ideal night time low temperatures the next week should produce some great summer steelhead fishing.

Thank you to the Washington Fly Fishing Club for having the staff of Worley Bugger last week.  It was a pleasure to meet everyone and present the club with the intricacies and uniqueness of Yakima River fly fishing.

As the month of June comes to end and we prepare for the upcoming holiday celebration, lower then expected river volumes for this time of year continue to flow from the reservoirs of the Cascade Mountain Range that feed Central Washington’s blue ribbon trout stream.

Typically we experience a much higher volume of water through the main stem of the Yakima during the summer months of June, July and August.  However, this year conservation of water reserves have been the main focus as mild pre summer temperatures kept the Kittitas Valley and the surrounding counties much cooler then expected.

Over the past several days we have seen an increase in water demands and flows have risen slightly to meet the request.  The Yakima is still in excellent fishing condition and at this time producing a variety of aquatic and non aquatic insect hatches on a daily basis.

The Pale Morning Dun Mayflies and Yellow Sallie Stoneflies and late evening caddis continue to steal the show during the day throughout the majority of the river.  Both insects begin appearing in the latter portions of the after-noon, however the pre-emergent stages are just as important and just as productive.  Don’t disregard this time of the morning for great subsurface fishing.

It is also terrestrial fishing time on the rivers and streams of the great Pacific Northwest.  Grasshoppers, ants, beetles, flying ants and other interesting critters are quickly becoming important trout fare during the day. 

As July temperatures begin to warm and the thick blades of vegetation grow along the banks of the Yakima these insects will become more and more predominate.  Don’t neglect in filling your fly box arsenal with an adequate reserve of terrestrial type and attractor style flies.

Warmer weather is forecasted for the week of our 4^th of July celebrations, so we do anticipate an increase in water flows during that period.  We assume by what we have experienced during the month of June to expect a gradual daily induction of water into the Yakima system until normal summer operational flow is reached.  If so, fishing will continue without a disturbance.

The Lower Yakima River where Smallmouth Bass take up residency has also been drawn down as well.   Spawning is winding down for the year, however yesterday some fish were still holding around beds.  In July you can expect the best fly fishing of the year for bronze backs on the lower river.  Protective males will be leaving the bedding areas and will join the females in search of prey to fill their bellies.  At this time the river is low and needs a good shot of water to bring the flow up.  We continue to monitor the flow situation on a daily basis.

Happy 4^th of July America!

It’s the last day of the month as the spring fishing season comes to a close and we prepare for the long days of summer ahead here in the Yakima River Valley.  Warm, sunny days blanket the entire Central Basin and predicted record temperatures are expected across this portion of the state over the weekend. 

Water flows on the Yakima continue to run at peak condition as the Bureau constantly jockeys with the flows, discharging water from the reservoirs.  Despite the irregularity of water volume over the past ten days, the river has fished well all week long as a variety of aquatics continue to develop.

Caddis are embedded in the Yakima system now, so expect to encounter peak hatches of them throughout the main stem and its tributaries over the next several months.  The small trib’s of the Yakima open for seasonal fishing, tomorrow, June 1^st.

Mayflies and Stoneflies are also a commodity throughout the main stem of the Yakima River as well.  Pale Morning Dun Mayflies have become an important food source and this week more involved hatches of this small mayfly have been occurring.   Green Drake Mayflies are prevalent during the month of June as well and are starting to show up in some sections of the river.  

The last weekend of the month has arrived and after an escalation in flows last week, the Yak is back just in time for the extended weekend.   Daily releases of water from the reservoirs all week long intensified water flows and volume to peak conditions throughout the Yakima as the river swelled once again from bank to bank.

Flows have now settled and dropped across the board and Central Washington’s, Yakima River is in beautiful shape for the Memorial Day Weekend.   The river has great clarity and color, but do expect high water throughout the majority of the main stem. 

There is a lot of aquatics to talk about as many of our spring insects are at the end of their yearly cycle.  March Browns, Baetis and Salmonflies have completed their annual succession for the spring.    Caddis, Pale Morning Dun Mayflies and Golden Stoneflies are the main focus of attention now. 

Pale Morning Dun Mayflies are also an afternoon distraction now, especially in the Farmlands and Lower Yakima River Canyon.   Cover your base here with Copper Johns, Spaced Out Bobs or your favorite mayfly nymph in the appropriate size during the pre emergence.  Fish a preferred imitation when encountering this size sixteen pale olive adult as well.

Golden Stoneflies are also at the beginning stages of their yearly cycle on the Yakima.   Searching the suitable water with stonefly nymphs in the morning will produce favorable results.  Watch the back eddies and foam lines of the river for indications that these stones are present.  You don’t necessarily need to see the actual insect to assume fish are eating them!

The Lower Yakima is dropping into peak condition for good Smallmouth fishing.  We will be conducting trips in that area of the river all weekend, targeting big, staging, smallies with flies.  June throughout the first portions of July will be prime time for Smallmouth fishing on the Lower Yakima this year.   Smallmouth as well as Largemouth have been nesting in some of our favorite little basin hide-outs as well.  Yesterday produced hours of top water action for both species.

Thank you to the Fidalgo Fly Fisher and the Alpine Fly Clubs for having us over the past week.  It was a pleasure to address both clubs and to meet everyone.  We’ve had the privilege of presenting our program to several of the clubs around the state this spring and would encourage anyone looking for more fly fishing education, companionship or a new fly fishing partner to attend one of your local clubs next meetings.  You will find a host of information and a bunch of great people!

The middle of May has descended on us quickly and spring is now in full swing.  Sun drenched days, warming water temperatures and an increase in water volume over much of the river is now occurring.  

Hot heat from last week’s high pressure is mostly to blame as many of the rivers tributaries blasted water into the main stem of the Yakima.  A steady release of water from the Cle Elum Reservoir, the river biggest man made water retention impoundment is beginning as well.  Daily increases are happening at this time.

The river has great clarity, a nice green hue, which we are use to seeing this time of year, especially during periods of elevated water conditions.  Water flows today through much of the Upper and Lower Farmlands well into the Lower Yakima Canyon are operating at summer time flows. 

The warm Kittitas Valley days are producing an array of aquatic insect activity.  Hordes of spring Caddis are blanketing much of the river, especially the lower sections of the Yakima.  Cakes of Caddisflies literally will form over and on the water throughout much of the afternoon, lasting well into the evening.

Its also big stonefly time on the Yakima as Salmonflies and Golden Stones are both hatching in specific sections of the river.  The Salmonfly activity has slowed a bit this week, however we are still experiencing light Salmonfly traffic through specific areas of the Yakima.   These sections did produce the majority of adult Salmonflies this season and the trout are now use to seeing these giant bugs on the water.   Also with the Salmonflies smaller relative starting to appear a few weeks early, searching the water for a big stonefly feeder in the morning or early afternoon with a Goldenstone imitation can prove worthwhile.

The showing of March Browns and Blue Wing Olives has begun to taper off over the past week.  Small little spattering of both mayflies have been present, however with so many caddis hatching now in the afternoon its been hard to find fish interested in their presence here in the lower river.  

After the extended winter and unusually cool spring we experienced in Central Washington, Lower Yakima River Smallmouth have begun filtering into the river for staging and spawning.  Peak spawning time is mid June, however great smallie fishing will continue in the lower river through much of the summer this year.  Heavy weed growth through much of the Lower Yakima generally occurs around the middle of August making it difficult to fish some areas of the river with flies.   We could see an extension of the season this year due to cooler water temperatures and higher water flows.

With the fifth month of our new season underway, spring conditions on the Central Washington’s blue ribbon trout stream couldn’t be better.   The majority of the Yakima is operating at below normal flow for the month of May and smorgasbords of aquatic insects are now trout fare throughout the day.

Water flows have fluctuated over the past ten days due to water releases and the initial charging of the KRD irrigation canals.  Now that the channels are full and flowing with water, most sections of the Yakima have dropped in volume and are in excellent fishing condition.  A heavy rain shower moved across the valley late Tuesday night, generating a spike in water flow in Wilson Creek, which in turn deposited sand and silt into the Lower Yakima River Canyon.  Water clarity in this area yesterday and today was poor.  Conditions and clarity could improve over the next 24 hours in this eighteen mile stretch of river if a continual drop in flow resumes.

Areas above the mouth of the lower canyon are in excellent condition and fishing well.  Water clarity is not an issue in these area’s and each day this sixty plus mile stretch of the Yakima is producing blanket hatches of March Browns and Blue Wing Olives.  It’s an afternoon affair as these giant mottled wing mayflies steal the show.  By 1:30 pm it’s a guarantee the hatch is beginning. Position yourself in an ideal March Brown riffle and prepare for this spring time event.  This intensive hatch of mayflies can last anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour.  I have yet to see it peak at under an hours time this season.

During this experience, expect the Blue Wing Olive to also begin appearing.  This small, dark olive bodied mayfly will form in the foam lines and seams of the Yakima.  Keep a close eye and be prepared to examine which one of the mayflies the trout will prefer.  Sometimes it’s one or the other and occasionally it’s both.

Giant, orange bellied Salmonflies are also in the beginning stages and we are starting to see more adults in specific sections of the river at this time.  Trout have already started to key in on this 3 inch long or better stonefly in some areas, so a large pattern fished both wet and dry should be a part of your arsenal over the next couple of weeks.

Its Caddisfly time on the Yakima as well.  With warming weather and rising water temperatures, spring caddis are appearing in short, sporadic hatches at this time.  With Mother’s Day just around the corner, Sunday May 13^th, expect to see thick, dense clouds of caddis over the waters of the Yakima in the coming week.

If that’s not enough for you, Pale Morning Duns are also starting to hatch in some of the lower portions of the Yakima River Canyon.  Typically we begin seeing them towards the end of the month, so their emergence as arrived early this year.

Spring is a great time to experience Central Washington’s, Yakima River.  It’s also a time we can experience, strong gusts of cool spring winds.  We have had some windy days on the river this spring, but for the most part the weather has remained fairly calm and unseasonably cooler then most seasons.   The past two days have been absolutely perfect for spring fly fishing. 

Small mouth fishing in the Lower Yakima River should be underway this year, however due to early snow run off, high water flows and low water temperatures the smallmouth fishing has been slow in getting started this year.  Water temps remain below the sixty degree mark, however as the month progresses we will see a resurgence in this area of the river as big Columbia River Smallmouth make their migration and begin staging for spawning in June.   If you are interested in experiencing smallmouth fishing this season, contact the pro shop for dates and availability.  Fly fishing for bass will remain consistently good this year well into the month of August.

The still waters impoundments of the Central Basin have been popular this year.  Chirnomid fishing…..deep has been the ticket for most of the fishermen at Lenice, Nunnally and Dry Falls.  Cooler water and air temps have yet to spark a Callibaetis hatch as of yet, however the month of May will provide mayfly and damsel fishing at some point.

It seems spring has finally arrived in the Yakima River Valley.  The previous month’s continual rain showers in combination with this years snow pack, soaked the grounds of Central Washington.  Now, spring’s green grasses and assorted wild flowers decorate the banks and hillsides in a newel of color along the river.

Later in the afternoon do expect to encounter the Blue Wing Olive as well.  Be prepared as fish quickly change attitude and begin focusing their attentions on the much smaller mayfly.   You may find difficulty in the visible differences between the two as you switch from a large size imitation to a much smaller version.  Size sixteen will work, but eighteen is much better.  Portions of the Lower Yakima are producing good hatches of this mayfly so be prepared and equip you box with several productive patterns for the daily cycle.

With May approaching quickly and Mothers Day just around the corner don’t be caught without a few caddis patterns in your boxes this weekend as well.  A warm, sunny Central Washington weekend is forecasted, so we could experience an afternoon caddis explosion on the river.

This week we did experience an increase in water flows due in part to an increase in outflow from some of the reservoirs as well as the continual spring run off.  Despite this fact the river is still in great shape for weekend fly anglers.