With the beginning of the holiday season already upon us, the residents of Kittitas County and the Yakima River Valley are enjoying yet another mild December.  We anticipate the arrival of an inevitable winter wonder land in the not to distance future.  As of today not a flake of snow has hit the ground in Ellensburg yet this winter.

So far, weather conditions have been mild.  Some days we have even experienced a 30 degree swing in temperature from morning to afternoon.  The early morning hours begin a bit cool, but the thin layer of frost is quickly dispatched as the Central Washington sunshine blasts is warm winter rays over the basin throughout the afternoon hours.

Winter fishing is underway on Central Washington’s, Yakima River.  With little or no precipitation over the past several weeks, the river remains in excellent fishing condition.  Last month the river hit never flood stage condition after an onslaught of rain storms belted the valley and low lying hillsides. 

Hatches of Midges during the day are about the only form of insects that will be evident.  Midges and midge clusters can produce some good dry fly fishing in the Lower Canyon in specific areas throughout the winter months where fishing are keying on these tiny insects.

Your best bet is wet fly fishing with nymphs or streamers.  Productive patterns this time of year are about anything you have in your box.  Fish tend to be far less picky this time of year then say in March or April when a number of insect hatches are happening and more food is available to them.  December isn’t a major insect time so fish have to forage a bit more for substance.  Fishing and reading the right water that hold fish, your presentation and technique are probably more important then what you fish.  However, be aware Whitefish are now in their spawn and the Yakima bow’s will key on tiny egg patterns where this natural winter phenomenon is occurring.

As we conclude the third week of November, Central Washington has experienced a month of unusual water and weather conditions.  Low lying snow accumulations that gathered along the foothills of the Kittitas Valley and the Cascade Mountains during the end of October were quickly dispatched last week. 

At this point it looks like the Yakima's mayfly hatches have concluded for the season.  However, a weekend weather forecast is predicting temperatures to reach the mid forty degree range.  If that happens, the river could easily produce a window of Blue Wing Olive activity late in the afternoon.  We will see what happens.  So far this week the insects have been virtually non existent, except for some sporadic midge hatches occurring throughout the day.

This past week, the Yakima was not the only river on the east side of the Cascades effected by last weeks wicked storms.  Both the Klickitat and Methow Rivers were also compromised as a result of the downpour with the “Klick” getting the brunt of it from the Oregon side. 

As the last remaining days of October begin, the colors of autumn abound across the Pacific Northwest with a bounty of vibrant foliage.  Along the shoreline of the Yakima stream bank Cottonwood and Alder trees once green with summer flora are now decorated in a dazzling display of fall colors.

For many of us that love the outdoors, the month of October is probably the finest time of year to enjoy it.  The frosty mornings quickly give way to pleasant afternoons that light up with warm Central Washington sunshine.  The weather conditions residents of Kittitas County have come to expect during the month of October have embellished us with warm pleasing fishing days.  It’s a busy time of the year and this is the first chance I’ve had to sit and right a report in almost three weeks.  Between trout fishing on the Yakima and steelhead fishing on the Klickitat and Methow the days all seem to run together. 

It’s also a consistent time of the year for the Yakima when water flows and other conditions remain fairly constant from day to day.  With low water volumes trickling throughout most of the entire 70+ mile stretch of catch and release water, you will find gin clear river conditions in most areas of the river.  Irrigation for many of the local farmers came to an end around the middle of the month, so water return from the Wilson Creek tributary feeding in at the month of the Lower Yakima Canyon is beginning to clear as well.

The mayfly fishing has taken precedence during the afternoons as the Yakima explodes with hatches of Blue Wing Olives, Mahogany Duns and Light Cahill’s.  Tiny Baetis by far are most prevalent during the day however it can be a selective time of the year when trout focus on one particular insect.   Be prepared to encounter a variety of these fishing situations.  Watch the foam lines of the river as stranded mayflies are drawn into the current and trout feed at their leisure on these hapless insects.

Many sections of the Yakima are also producing intense hatches of October Caddis throughout the day as well.  You may find periods when fish focus and key on this giant orange bellied caddisfly, especially if mayflies are nonexistent at the time.  Presenting a pattern that mimics the life like movements of the egg layer is most productive.  Usually a dead drifting silhouette will go unnoticed.

The Summer Steelhead fishing continues on the Klickitat River through the remainder of this month and will close for the season the last day of November.  Expect low, gin clear water conditions throughout this river system at this time.   The Methow River was officially opened earlier this month while the Wenatchee River to the south remains closed indefinitely due to a poor return of adipose fin clipped fish.  One would think after a decade of river closures our state management officials would have a clue about this fishery.  That doesn’t seem to be the case and many of the hatchery origin fish continue to stray from the Wenatchee bypassing the river all together and returning to the Methow, Okanogan or remaining in the main stem of the Columbia?? 

As the last day of September ends the commencement of autumn has begun in the Yakima River Valley.   Cool nights and warm sunny days have reigned over the Central Washington desert this past week embellishing its residents and visitors alike with beautiful fall fishing days.  The Cottonwood and Alder tree’s that provided shade and cover along the banks of the river are in their beginning stages of a seasonal restoration. 

The summer stonefly hatch looks to have hit its peak this past weekend.  The hot afternoons fashioned a couple hours of activity as egg laying females took take flight across the river in good numbers. 

Its mayfly time as the river begins to produce Baetis beds as well in specific areas of the Yakima.  Blue Wing Olive hatches are occurring at this time throughout the main stem of the river on a daily basis.  Watch for specific blue wing feeders as they methodically rise at their own pace to absorb these small olive bodied insects. 

Overcast skies are predicted for the upcoming weekend which should produce some fantastic mayfly fishing on the river.  During the hatch of BWO expect to encounter Light Cahill’s, Mahogany Duns and Craneflies.  Fish could or will be working any of the specified hatches so be prepared with an assortment of imitations to match the hatch.

The October Caddis is also prevalent throughout the day as well.  Late afternoons are a much more predictable time for this giant caddisfly to begin its emergence cycle however we do have days on the Yakima when they hatch at first light.  If this occurs, trout will be looking for them throughout the entire fishing day.

This spring the Yakima experienced a return of over 5000 Spring Chinook (King Salmon) to the Upper River above the Roza Dam.  They are now dispersed throughout the Upper Yakima, Cle Elum and Teanaway Rivers spawning in specific areas of these streams.  Be aware of their presence in the system and watch for spawning beds and markers.  It is unlawful to target these fish in the Upper River and its tributaries however the resident fish are reaping the rewards of their return.  Spawning most likely will continue over the next week or two.

It’s the height of Summer Steelhead fishing has many fly fishermen anticipate the month of October to be one fine month to chase these giant sea-going rainbows with flies.  Now that the nets have been removed from the mouth of the Columbia and over 100,000 salmon were harvested the Klickitat has steadily improved in its fishing.  The Methow River located in Chelan County was closed last week to all fishing because of incidental wild steelhead encounters (?) while anglers were fishing for trout.  Many have felt and speculated that a steelhead season will not open because of this fact on the Methow or Wenatchee Rivers this October.  However inside sources have revealed that a season most likely will open the first week of October on both rivers.

Gorgeous, warm mid September days have developed across the Yakima River Valley on a daily basis.  The Central Washington sunshine is belting warm UV’s throughout the day with temperatures at times exceeding the high eighty degree mark. 

The warm days and higher water temperatures have slowed the mayfly hatches this past week.  However, as the river's water temperature cools expect to see explosive hatches of Blue Wing Olives, Light Cahill's and Mahogany Duns throughout the main stem of the Yakima.  Come prepared with a couple of good Cranefly patterns as well. 

These large, long legged, highly active insects are buzzing around the waters and grassy banks of the Yakima.  Fish are focused on them and looking for this particular insect in specific places. October Caddis are in the beginning stages as pupation is underway for many.  Their presence will become more important as the days of autumn progress.

September has proven to be a good month for Klickitat River fly fishing as well with thousands of Columbia River Steelhead breaching the dam each day at Bonneville.  Many of these fish are continuing their journey up the Columbia to waters of the Snake, Clearwater, Deschutes, John Day, Grande Ronde, Wenatchee and the Methow Rivers, so expect good fishing here as well.  The Methow River trout season has been closed (September 18^th) early this year because of the number of steelhead now being caught in the river.  A steelhead season should open this year on the Methow the first week of October however we are still waiting to hear the final word on that.

As the big holiday weekend here in the Rodeo City of Ellensburg came to a conclusion, the mood, the panorama across the valley and the river have taken on a whole new dimension.  A new and exciting river has emerged as it now slowly meanders through the beautiful Kittitas Valley.  The Yakima River has transformed and it now forming in its fall cycle.

Where once just a short time ago, river flows were pushing 5000 cfs, now that same river flows low with water volumes ranging 800 cfs in the Upper Canyon to just over 1600 cfs today in the Lower Canyon.  A welcome reprieve for many fly anglers as they return to fish the autumn waters of the Yak.

With river flows now operating a fall flow, fish of course have less water to hold and conceal themselves.  The larger, territorial trout will take precedence in the major feeding lies of the river.  Smaller trout of course are left to the remaining amounts of holding water.  With water volumes at fall levels and warm September air temperatures, concentrate your efforts in the appropriate runs of the river for successful fishing.

Bugs, bugs and more bugs.  You name it and they are probably hatching on the Yakima.  Caddis in an assortment of sizes and colors, Blue Wing Olives, Shortwing Stoneflies, Light Cahill’s, Craneflies and of course the vast variety of terrestrial insects.  Grasshoppers in a range of sizes and colors are rattling along the banks of the river during the heat of the day.  It is at this time when their peak period of activity occurs and when they are most vulnerable as a trout food form.

The mayflies hatches are happening mid afternoon to early evening with a selection of Light Cahill’s and a small spattering of summer PMD’s still occurring.  Baetis are also forming in the foam lines of the river and are becoming an important part of the fishing day. 

Record numbers of sea going rainbows, well above the ten year average are pouring over the barrier dam at Bonneville on the Columbia each day.  Numbers exceeding 7000 fish are being counted every afternoon as the make a arduous journey up river to their home waters to any given tributary of the Columbia. 

As we begin the holiday weekend, the high water volumes we experience on Central Washington’s Yakima River over the course of the summer have been receding and the river is in the beginning stages of its autumn cycle.

High flows roaring through the main stem of the Yakima and warm, sunny temperatures are a daily event in the Kittitas Valley during the days of August.  With the month of September just a couple of days away, the regulated high flows have been drawn back from the river’s mountain reservoirs as we see the Yakima drop in volume 200 to 400 feet a day.

If you have been waiting for flows to drop wait no longer.   Bank anglers confined to specific areas of the river over the summer have found relief as areas of the Yakima open up with greater access and more opportunities for fishing.  A new river is forming and beginning to take shape for September fishing.  During the month of August, despite a few blustery days the Yakima has fished exceptionally well, especially the dry fly fishing. 

The trout’s diet this time of year is probably the most diverse it ever is over the course of the year as their consumption on both aquatic and non aquatic insects varies throughout the day.  Though much more challenging fishing, sometimes the wind can actually aid instead of impede the fishing. 

Terrestrial fishing will continue throughout the month as well with warm September afternoons.  Later in the month, the Giant Sedge Caddis will become prevalent in the Upper Yakima in specific sections of the river.  September and October are a fantastic time to spend a day fly fishing in the Yakima River Valley.

The Klickitat River  Valley is also a beautiful place to spend a day or two fishing for the worlds most sought after game fish, the Pacific Northwest Steelhead.   With fish counts well above the ten year average so far this year, these sea going rainbows have been pouring over the Bonneville Dam fish passage on the Columbia in vast numbers.  The Klickitat has been producing some terrific fishing this summer and will continue to see fish well into the month of November.  At this time, you can most likely expect to see the Wenatchee and Methow Rivers both open once again for steelhead fishing this fall.

As the first week of August begins, summer is in full swing in the Yakima River Basin.  The Central Washington sunshine is belting warm rays throughout the day as high temperatures reach the ninety degree mark.  According to weekend weather predications, a cooling trend is expected to settle across the valley this weekend with day time temps in the eighty degree range.

This week water flows remain at summer time levels with a slight increase in water volumes over the past couple of days.  The Yakima is in great condition for fly fishing and floating, but is swollen from bank to bank at this time.  In three weeks we will have a totally different river to fish.

The month of July produced some terrific fishing, especially our mid morning thru evening dry fly fishing.  Great hatches of mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies at this time have fish feeding at all water levels. Nymphs, emergers and dry flies have all been consistent producer and appeal to everyone’s diverse fishing methods. 

Throughout the month of August, expect much of the same insect activity to occur.  In addition, Summer Stoneflies, Craneflies and Light Cahills at some point will all become food sources for Yakima River Rainbows. (& Cutthroat)

The terrestrial fishing came on strong in July with Yakima trout constantly looking for smaller grasshoppers, ants and beetles.  Fishing these patterns close to the grassy edges, along the undercut banks and beside the submerged structure has provided lots of excitement during the heat of the day.  Terrestrial fishing will intensify this month as more hoppers become available.

At times throughout the month, early morning caddis hatches stimulated the fish the first portions of the day and kept their feeding activity at peak levels.  Good blooms in the morning with sporadic hatches in the afternoon have the fish selecting caddis imitations throughout the fishing day.  Evening caddis activity relays solely on weather and wind conditions.  If evening breezes are minimal, great blizzard hatches will occur throughout the majority of the river this time of year.  If late afternoon winds beginning blowing most times insect hatches are light.

At this time, over 6000+, Columbia River tributary steelhead are breaching the Bonneville Dam on a daily basis.  This number is a mixture of both hatchery and wild fish.  The first two rivers available to these sea going rainbows are The Klickitat and the Wind Rivers, which are both glacier feed streams flowing from the snow packed peaks of Mount Adams.  Cool mountain waters entice these fish as they move across the first man made barrier on the Columbia, especially during the month of August when the Columbia River becomes warm.  The Klick is in great condition now and producing fish!  Water conditions on the Klickitat cycle from day to day, hour to hour this time of year so expect to find 1 to 3 feet of water clarity. 

As the final few days of July draw to a close summer water flows continue on the Upper Yakima River in Kittitas County.  With day time high temperatures reaching the mid ninety degree mark in the Ellensburg and Yakima Valley’s, the demand for water from irrigators has been high.

Though the river is operating at peak summer levels, it is in great condition for summer drift boat fishing.  Over the past couple of days the B.O.R. has gradually drawn back minimal releases of water and we have seen a drop in some summer volume.  The Yakima is now operating at normal controlled flow for this time of year.

During the summer months of July and August, fly fishing the Yakima takes on a whole new perspective then the mild water days of spring and fall.  Boat fishing takes precedence, especially in specific areas of the river where opportunities to wade fish just aren’t available.   

At this time the river is producing a variety of summer hatches.  Most days, Caddis in a variety of sizes and colors are hatching throughout sections of the river.  During the late morning hours, dark bodied caddis are taking precedence in size 14-16.  Later in the day a bigger tan caddis has been appearing.  Evening hours once again generate a dark body caddis hatch.  The consistency of the hatch greatly depends on weather and wind conditions.

Mid day fishing is delivering great hatches of Pale Morning Duns, Pale Evening Duns and Yellow Sallie Stoneflies.  Some Golden Stone activity is still taking place on a daily basis in specific sections of the Yakima.  The mayfly hatches have been consistent from day to day, usually forming on the water around 2:00 pm.  Peak periods of Yellow Sallies have also been hatching during this time as well in size 16 & 18.

As I mentioned above, warm sunny days and thick grasses have grown up along the banks of the Yakima now.  With that said, terrestrials in a wide variety of colors and sizes are flourishing in these tall stream bank grasses.  Grasshoppers in tan, brown, yellow and green are working great during the heat of the day.  Ants and beetles in different sizes are also fun to fish this time of year.

Summer time rules are now in effect on Central Washington’s, Yakima River.  For those of you that visit the Yakima on a regular basis this isn’t news to you.  For those of you that may be unfamiliar with the river and its seasonal operational flows, expect to see big water throughout the main stem of the Yakima, especially below the confluence of the Cle Elum.  The majority of the water entering the river system is now coming via the Cle Elum Reservoir.  July and the majority of August you can expect to see high water conditions on the Upper Yakima as farmers and ranchers hit the peak of the irrigating season. 

Mid mornings have been producing a nice summer time Caddis bloom.  A hatch first thing in the morning typically catches the fishes attention and keeps their interest at peak levels for afternoon hatches of Pale Morning Dun Mayflies and Yellow Sally Stoneflies. 

The Klickitat River in Southwest Washington is now producing some pretty good summer steelhead fishing.  A big return this year of hatchery origin steelhead has been entering the river system on a daily basis.  Even with the high heat around Mount Adams the river is still in very good condition. 

Lower River Smallmouth fishing has hitt its peak as well over the past week.  Much lower then anticipated water conditions and flows in this portion of the Yakima for July is making for some tougher conditions for greenbacks  Weed beds are beginning to form in portions of the river now.  Concentrate your fishing efforts in the lower portions of the river, where higher water flows are now occurring.  Poppers, gurglers and other top water baits are working well now for Smallmouth.

As we approach America’s Independence Day celebration this Friday, near record setting temperatures teetering at the triple digit mark have been blistering the Yakima River Valley for several days now.  The blazing Central Washington sunshine has initiated a snow pack melt once again and run off high atop the Cascades Mountain Range is quickly flowing into the storage reservoirs that feed the Yakima River.

With water storage at 100% capacity now, large quantities of water have been discharged from the mountain reservoirs and the Yakima is swollen from bank to bank.  Water clarity, turbidity and conditions at this time are not good in any of the seventy five+ mile sections of the Yakima.  At this time its hard to say if the river will be fishable for the holiday weekend. 

It is now Yakima Smallmouth time!  Lower river bass fishing is heating up and is getting good.  This week there was plenty of action with streamer imitations as well as a surge of top water fishing in the afternoon and evenings.  With very good water conditions this year the prime time bass fishing is happening now and will remain good throughout the month of July.  If good water conditions persist we could see good bassin’ thru the month of August.  Typically by then weedy, low water conditions are present making it difficult to fish and float.

The staff and management of Worley Bugger Fly Co. wish everyone a happy and peaceful 4^th of July weekend.

Not much has changed as far as conditions are concerned since our last river report, except this week more Central Washington sunshine graced the river valley minus the low lying hill side snow showers.  That’s a fortunate thing especially as the first official day of summer begins this Saturday. 

We have experienced some blustery, wind days here in the Rodeo City this week, however today the breezes have laid down as high temps approach the mid eighty degree range.  According to NOAA, the weekend forecast is calling for much of the same as weather conditions stabilize in this area of our state.  I have fielded several calls to the pro-shop the past couple of days regarding river flows and conditions.  At this time the Yakima continues to operate at below “Normal” flow for this time of year. 

The Bureau of Reclamation has ramped up some flow on the Cle Elum River as discharge from the reservoir is recording about 500 cfs.  Most of the storage reservoirs are still under the 100% fill capacity and the Naches River in the next drainage to the west continues to run hard at about 3500 cfs.  Warm temperatures have yet to blister the lower valley, so adequate water rations are being absorbed for irrigating purposes through this smaller Yakima River tributary river.

With the river operating at below normal conditions for this time of year, a host of insect life is hatching throughout each section of the Yakima.  At this time the river is experiencing some good Pale Morning Dun and Pale Evening Dun Mayfly hatches in the afternoon hours.  Caddis in the early morning and then once again in the latter portions of the afternoon have also been occurring daily.

Almost each month of the calendar year, we experience a different form of stoneflies.  This month, the Goldenstone is prevalent during the day.  Watch the upper sections of the river around Cle Elum and the lower and upper Farmlands for this brightly colored stonefly.  You may see some sporadic hatches in the lower canyon however this erratic stonefly is much more common to see above this area of the Yakima.

Like I mentioned also last week, the Lower Yakima were Smallmouth reside is in great shape now and starting to produce some good bass fishing.  The spawn is just getting under way in the lower river.  Last week we caught several big females that were full of eggs.  They are waiting for the males to complete their staging and bed building.  I would expect to see the smallmouth fishing to remain quite good in the lower river until the middle portions of August this year.

Almost everyone that I have spoken with the last couple of weeks has made a comment about the past couple of month’s weather conditions.  The conversation always includes the comment “is spring every going to happen and will it every stop snowing in the mountains this year?

It seems to have been a long drawn out winter as earlier this week the higher elevations peaks surrounding the Kittitas Valley were gleaming with white tops early in the morning.  It not officially the summer of 08, but it close enough as the middle of June is already upon us.  Spring I’m afraid has come and gone.

It looks like the warming temperatures are on their way.  Predicted forecasts in the Kittitas Valley over the weekend are calling for day time highs in the eighties lasting well into the coming week.  A welcome site now as we approach the middle of the fly fishing season in Central Washington.  As the cool temperatures have prevailed so has the snow pack.  The main storage reservoirs still remain below the full level, especially the Cle Elum which hasn’t even registered at the 90% level as of today. 

You can expect to find several hatches occurring during the day at this time throughout the main stem region of the Yakima.  The Pale Morning Dun and Pale Evening Dun Mayflies are an afternoon event taking place throughout the river system.   Great hatches of yellow may’s have been happening all week in the lower river around and below Eburg.

A couple variety of Caddis are also happening now as well.  Have your dark and light colors in both adult and emerger handy during the day.  Some portions of the river are also experiencing some light Green Drake hatches as well.   Although we haven’t yet seen them in bunches it is Golden Stone time on the Yakima, so one should expect to begin seeing them as well.  Especially, the sub surface nymph form of the insect at this stage of the month.

With flows receding in the Upper Yakima as well as the Naches River, the Lower Yakima Smallmouth fishing is now in prime condition and flow.  The Smallmouth have been bedding in the Columbia reaches over the past month now, so expect to find much of the same in the lower river.  This year, Smallie fishing should great through the month of August much like two years ago, I think due in large part to the high water conditions of spring. 

The summer steelhead fishing on the Klickitat River started on June 1^st and the river is producing some fish at this time.  The majority of fish being caught now are fin clipped hatchery steelhead, however a few wild fish are milling around in the “Klicks” waterway.   If you need big fish and lots of sunshine this may be one to consider.  The river will fish throughout the summer producing fish throughout July and August.

Late last week I had the pleasure of spending a few well deserved days on the Big Hole River in Montana with family and close friends.  If you planning a fly fishing vacation to the Big Sky Country make sure to pack plenty of warm clothing.  Winter has yet to leave Southwest Montana as several feet of snow, rain, hail, sleet and any other precipitation you can think of was falling all week.  Although in all my years growing up in the valley, I can’t remember every seeing Montana so green and beautiful.  The fishing was probably the best I have seen on the river in over a decade.  Its big water and there is more to come as the Pintler Mountain Range is crusted in a thick blanket of snow.   Thanks boys for the fantastic time…much appreciated!

As we begin the first week of June, a surprising set of circumstances has occurred with the Kittitas Valley’s renowned trout stream.  The Yakima River flows have subsided and water clarity and conditions have now settled.  As the warm Central Washington sunshine blazed across the Yakima River Basin, fly anglers converged on its now fishable waters this weekend, the first time since the middle portions of May.

Just a few short weeks ago the river was bloated from bank to bank, swollen with spring runoff as a record setting heat wave torched the Kittitas Valley.  The massive snow pack that accumulated in near record quantities in the Cascade Mountain Range began to melt quickly. 

The high mountain snow pack continues to melt and fill the four storage reservoirs of the Yakima on a daily basis.  Water releases from the dams remain at minimal amounts as the lakes remain below the 100 % capacity fill level.  Water discharge most likely will continue along the same lines until adequate water storage is collected for summer reserves. 

The other good news now is the river’s tributaries that course along the low lying foothill and gullies of the Kittitas Valley have begun to settle and slow with snow pack run off.  The majority of them have dropped in volume and cleared considerably.  The result is the Yakima is back in great fishing shape.

The Mother’s Day Caddis was missed this year due to rivers high water however expect to see a variety of caddisflies hatching throughout the day in most sections of the river.  The Lower Canyon had a great hatch of afternoon caddis this past weekend.  They were not as prevalent through the Farmlands and Upper Canyon, but expect to encounter several varieties and sizes of caddis here during the month of June.  Its Pale Morning Dun time as well so we should start to see early afternoon hatches of this light olive mayfly as well this week.

The Central Basin lakes also reported good fishing this past weekend.  Afternoon hatches of Damselflies were prevalent, especially on Sunday.  Some mayfly fishing was reported by fishermen but by the sounds of it not in great quantities as of yet.

The Worley Bugger pro shop staff will be contacting groups today that had a guided fly fishing tour with the guide staff postponed in the month of May due to nasty water conditions.  We will be coordinating possible dates for rescheduling.  Please feel free to contact us as well with dates and availability.  We will be glad to help.

As we approach the final days of May, Central Washington’s Yakima River has dropped significantly from its banks as the river approached near flood stage conditions in Upper Kittitas County after a record breaking heat wave.  Since that time weather conditions have cooled and water flows and volume have subsided a great deal. 

Over the holiday weekend, the Yakima and Central Basin also experienced several intermittent rain showers that blasted the low lying hillsides around the valley.  These afternoon downpours not only contributed to the hillsides greening grasses they also created a spike in water volume shortly after, especially in the Teanaway Valley and Upper Kittitas County.

As of today the Upper Yakima above the Teanaway is starting to green up and water quality is slowly returning.  The volume in this area has dropped significantly, however clarity continues to be an issue.  Will the river conditions and clarity be better by the upcoming weekend?  Most likely things will continue to improve.  At this time this upper river area has about a foot of visibility.  Below this section of river the water has less then 6 inches.

Despite the fact river conditions aren’t good just about everywhere around the state that hasn’t stopped folks from getting out and enjoying the sunshine.  Many of the still waters in our area and the Columbia Basin are fishing well now. 

After several repeated days of scorching hot spring weather, the high elevation snow pack that accumulated in the high elevations of the Cascade Mountain Range quickly turned to mush as the tributaries of the Yakima ballooned with water.

With record high temperatures recorded across the Central Basin this week, the Yakima River quickly swelled from bank to bank as every feeder stream, creek or tributary spewed mud, sand and silt into the main stem.  Flow height and velocity finally topped out at just over 11,000 cfs.  The Yakima in the lower valley hasn’t faired near as well as contributing water from the Naches River has driven the river to near or above flood stage. With cooler temperatures today, both rivers are beginning to recede and drop in volume however flood warnings remain in effect. 

For many looking to get out and enjoy the outdoors the still waters across the state are reported good to fair fishing over the weekend. 

The staff and management of Worley Bugger Fly Co. wish’s everyone a safe and peaceful Memorial Day Weekend.  Thank you to those that have served and sacrificed for our country and to those that continue to uphold the duty!

If you didn’t make it outside to play in the Central Washington sunshine and warm weather this past weekend, you may have missed out on the last bit of low water we will experience this spring on the Yakima River.  Spring temperatures in the high seventies this weekend have created a sudden snow pack melt in the low lying foothills around the valley and in the Lower Cascade Mountain Range. 

As of today river flows have topped out, due in part to much cooler weather during the day and colder night time temperatures throughout the evening hours.  Forecasted conditions over the weekend are predicting highs in the mid sixties with little to no wind throughout the valley.

At this time there are still sections of the Yakima River that are fishable and in good condition.  Sections above the junction of the Teanaway River have been stable and at this time have good water clarity. 

It was a big Caddis weekend on the Yakima as warming temperatures produced blizzard hatches of spring Grannom and Sedge Caddis.   Waves of dark bodied caddisflies emerged throughout the lower sections of the Yakima.  Pupa, emegers and adults all at some point throughout the day were crucial to fish as a flurry of aquatic insects danced about the river.

The past week reports were fielded by the Worley Bugger pro shop staff from the basin lakes area of the state as well as Rocky Ford Creek.  RFC is reporting some lower water conditions and some weeds starting to build up in places.  Blue Wing Olives and midges are predominant at the creek at this time.  Most of the still-waters are still reporting good fishing with Chironomids fished deep.  Still a little on the cool side for Calliabaetis or Damselflies to begin showing up.

This past Saturday, the Washington Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers held their second annual Fly Casting and Tying Conclave here in Ellensburg.  The event was very well attended and I would say a tremendous success as fly fishermen and those interested in fly fishing converged on the Kittitas County Fairgrounds.  Master fly tiers from around the state were on hand crafting and creating some of the most unique and amazing patterns we have ever seen.  The FFF has already made plans for next year’s conclave which will be held in May.  They have also extended the conclave to a two day event.  Of course as the time draws near, information will be available on the website and fly shop.  There were a lot of men and woman on hand working behind the scenes to make the conclave a success.  Thank you to them for your hard work and dedication to the event!

As we approach the end of April later this week, the warm spring days everyone has been waiting for have finally arrived in the Yakima River Valley.  If you didn’t spend the weekend outdoors in Central Washington you missed out some terrific weather and some fantastic fishing opportunities on the river in the afternoon.

The Kittitas Valley sunshine was imploding warm, sunny rays across the basin on Saturday, driving water temperatures upwards, which in turn produced explosive hatches of March Brown Mayflies and Blue Wing Olives in the early afternoon.  Sunday wasn’t much different as warm temperatures produced another terrific hatch of mayflies.  The dense cloud cover as well on Sunday provided adequate cover as pods of fish were taking advantage of the intense afternoon mayfly hatches.

River flow and clarity conditions are good despite an increase in water volume over the weekend.  Low lying snow pack melting along the Ellensburg hillsides during the heat of the day is being drawn into the main stem of the Yakima.  Water volumes have increased in these sections of the river, however the Yakima is still in excellent fishing condition.

The weather forecast continues to predict cool night time low temperatures and day time highs reaching the sixty plus degree mark this week.  This is a good scenario as the Kittitas Valley sunshine shrinks that huge snow pack accumulation that continues to build in the Cascades. 

At some point river conditions are going to get messy and this year it could be really nasty, especially for those living on the Upper Yakima and the Teanaway River.  If air temperatures explode and we start to experience eighty degree days in the month of May, the Teanwawy River and several other tributaries could get big in a hurry much like we experienced in 1996. 

This Saturday, the Washington Council Of The Federation Of Fly Fishers will hold the second annual fly fishing conclave here in Ellensburg.  Last years fly tying event was a huge success and this year council members have expanded the show to include casting demonstration.  It should be a great event and the staff of Worley Bugger will be on hand to assist.  For more info visit the FFF website or click here.

This past week, the senior member of our guiding staff, Danny Snider exchanged wedding vows with the love of his life, Danele.   They were happily married in Ocean Shores during a small family ceremony.   I know many of you have enjoyed Danny’s company over the past several years and would like to know about this happy time in his life.  Of course, the staff and management of Worley Bugger wishes them happiness and prosperity in the years to come.  Congratulations Danny and Danele!!

It didn’t take much this past weekend to bring the Yakima River levels up as the tributaries began to rise with water under the warm Kittitas Valley sunshine. Over a 24 hour window, warm air and bright sunny skies initiated the first snow pack melt of spring.   As mercury levels rose to almost eighty degrees on Friday, small branches feeding the Upper Yakima filled with cold, murky water and deposited this tainted union into the main stem of the river. 

Water releases were also conducted from Lake Easton last Thursday evening to charge the irrigation ditches and canals throughout the valley as local farmers prepare for a new growing season.  This combination of warm weather and reservoir discharge were enough to bring water levels up quickly throughout the main stem of the Yakima.  Saturday was by far the warmest spring day we have experienced here in the river valley.  Everyone seemed to be outdoors enjoying the Central Washington sunshine.  

The first portions of the new week, the river has been operating at higher levels with little of no visibility in the lower portion of the river below the Teanaway River confluence.  With much cooler conditions settling into the Kittitas Valley over the past several days, water levels have receded and have started to stabilize once again in all areas of the river.  The Yakima today is fishable with over two feet of clarity in most areas.

The Upper Yakima has several tributaries in varying sizes that merge with the main stem as it flows south through the towns of Easton, Cle Elum and Ellensburg.   This time of year these streams can cause an irregularity in river flows as snow pack from the Cascades begins to melt.  The Teanaway River merges with the Yakima between the small communities of Throp and Cle Elum and is by far the largest of them all.  Draining from the east slopes of the Cascades, it drains a substantial portion of water volume during the spring runoff.  River sections above this branch of the Yakima, generally stay in fishing condition during this time, however don’t expect to find solitude here.  This section of the river most likely will be chocked with bank and drifting fishermen competing for small portions of water.

Today, the river is still somewhat high but will continue to drop in volume throughout the day.  For those that walk the river fishing on foot, access to the Yakima is never a problem.  Even during peak periods of high water, access to the river can still be found in many places.

I thought last week we would begin to see the peak of the stoneflies for this year.  However, as of Saturday good populations of female Skwalla Stoneflies were still dropping from the trees and brush along the river in the late afternoons.  Cooler, windier days last week kept the stoneflies huddled up in masses along the banks.  As the sunshine arrived, the stoneflies activity level increased and many were returning to the water.  During the warmer portions of the afternoons, expect to see stoneflies, mayflies and even a few caddis beginning to hatch.

With warmer day time temperatures finally arriving good reports from the still-waters of the Central Basin has been detailed to the fly-shop staff in Ellensburg.  Lake Lencie and Nunnually are both fishing very well at this time.  The fishing has also picked up at Lenore and Dusty.  Fly fishermen are also reporting great fishing at Dry Falls this April.

Thank you to the Olympic Fly Fishing Club for having Danny and I at their annual April meeting this past week.  It was a pleasure to see everyone again and we appreciate the time we were given.

The seasonal changes from winter to spring we have all been anxiously waiting for are now beginning to happen in Central Washington as both air and water temperatures begin to accelerate under the warm valley sunshine.  It’s quite a different turn of events from what we experienced this past weekend as a winter storm blasted Ellensburg with several inches of snow fall.

The new snow layer that accumulated on Friday and Saturday has already disappeared from the low lands and banks of the river, absorbed by the wet soil as it replenishes our diminishing ground water resources.   The green grasses, flowers and plants are visible once again!

Night time lows last evening remained at the freezing level, which will have a dramatic effect today on water temperatures as day time highs are expect to reach the mid fifty degree mark.  Over the next several days we will see an explosive of aquatic insect activity as we see the Yakima River water temperatures reach that magic warming degree.

Yesterday, the river produced a variety of aquatics as the afternoon sunshine belted a warm radiance across the Kittitas Valley.  Skwalla and Winter Stoneflies, Blue Wing Olives, Midges and a smattering of March Browns were all cycling during the afternoon in specific areas of the river.  The Lower Canyon produced a Baetis and Midge hatch in the afternoon, while the Upper and Lower Farmlands experienced two varieties of stoneflies, Blue Wing Olives, March Browns and mobs of Midge clusters.

As night time temperatures remain at or below the freezing levels, river conditions will be ideal for some great April fishing on the Yakima.  The snow pack accumulations will continue to melt off slowly during the day and recede at night.  It’s the scenario we were all hoping for this spring. 

This past Friday, fly fishermen converged on the Ellensburg Fairgrounds in support of the Yakima River and its watershed.  Several various organizations were in attendance as fisheries biologist, stream enhancement groups and water shed management officials all gave presentations on the current state of our fishery.  It was well attend and the presentations given were full of important and interesting information.  If you missed the meeting each of these groups offers websites with all the downloadable information that was discussed.  The staff of Worley Bugger will be working closely with several of these organizations over the next several months and will update you on all of the current events and information on the website.  Thank you to them for their tremendous efforts over the past decade!  www.ybfwrb.org

This weekend the Yakima River Canyon Marathon will be taking place once again in the Lower Canyon.  State Route 821 will be closed, however it will be accessible to those wanting to fish the river.  You will need a road access permit to travel the 18 miles of canyon.  You can pick on up at the Worley Bugger or any of the local fly shops in the area.  If you do plan to fish the Canyon stretch this Saturday, please drive careful.

As the sun made its seasonal equinox over the Equator late last night, we awoke this morning in the Yakima River Valley to the first official calendar day of Spring.  Small, nomadic birds that left the river basin in the Autumn are making their returned migration now as each day the sounds and sights of these colorful spring creatures is more evident.  A welcome sight for many of us here in Ellensburg after a long, cold, snowy winter.

Even though it is the first day of spring today, temperatures still remain below normal for this time of year.  Night time lows falling well below the freezing level have occurred over the past week, dropping water temperatures and causing a lapse in the fishing during the first parts of the fishing day.   Water temps have still strained to rise above the middle forty degree range, which is impeding most of our aquatic insect activity at this time.

Despite our water temperature struggles, the Skwalla Stoneflies are amassing along the banks of the river in good numbers.  Late afternoon dry fly fishing has been fair throughout most areas of the river this past week with patterns to match the female Skwalla. 

It’s really been a double edge sword, so far this month on the river.  We like the colder night time temperature because it keeps our deep Cascade Mountain snow pack on a slow, steady melt.  However, it also keeps our aquatic insect activity and the trout’s metabolism at a much slower pace.  Weather conditions for the remainder of the week are forecasted for much of the same patterns with Saturday, Easter Eve to be the warmest part of the weekend.

Their also has been some sporadic midge feeding activity in and along the slower portions of the river where these insect congregate.   Smaller pupa and emerger patterns fished in these areas of the Yakima have been productive late in the day as well.  A small Baetis emergence has been occurring during the warmer portions of the afternoon as well in the Lower Yakima Canyon, but at this time is very light and sporadic.

Despite slower fishing on the Yakima, the still waters in the Basin are reporting better fishing now.  Chironomid midge fishing has picked up considerably on Lenice and Lenore with both reporting good fishing throughout the week.  Rocky Ford is also been producing good afternoon Baetis hatches as well each day.

This week, we celebrate two holidays.  St Pat’s Day on Monday for all you Irishmen (cheers!) and on Sunday, Easter.  We wish everyone a happy and peaceful holiday weekend.  The Worley Bugger pro shop will be closed on Sunday in observance of Easter and will open once again on Monday, March 24^th at our regular operation hours.

After a week of beautiful March pre-spring weather, conditions have taken a sudden turn as a cold front sweeps across this portion of Central Washington.  We woke this morning to an unexpected snow storm which quickly turned to rain showers as the day has warmed and progressed.  As of this afternoon that portion of the storm has diminished and moved out of the area.  Cloudy, gray skies with intermittent rays of sunshine have blanketed our afternoon here in Ellensburg.

This past weekend, we began to see more stonefly action as pre-hatch Skwalla Stones began emerging and forming along the banks of the river.  The majority of these post winter stoneflies at this time are the smaller, brightly colored males.  They are forming along the banks of the Lower Canyon and Farmlands area, waiting for the arrival of their female counterparts. 

So far, this first rain shower has had little or no effect on the river conditions.  It seems it didn’t have much strength behind it.  Actually the river has dropped in flow overnight despite the wet conditions we experienced this morning.  A wet weather pattern is forecasted for the next 48 hours with Sunday being the optimal weekend day to be outdoors.  Water clarity registers over three feet in most sections of the river at this time.

This past weekend, Worley Bugger Fly Co. hosted the 9^th annual “Yakima River Clean Up”.  We had another tremendous turnout of Yakima fly fishers, falling just short of the century mark this year.  Groups of men, woman and children spread out on the river floating and walking the shorelines of the Yakima. 

I would also like to thank our generous sponsors that donate to our clean up raffle and recognize them in this forum.  Thank you for your continued support of this event.

As the start of a new month begins, river conditions throughout the Yakima River Valley are excellent for some early spring fishing.  Beautiful, warm March days are prevailing as a ridge of high pressure moves across the central portion of our state.  Cool nights and frosty mornings are keeping the river in excellent fishing conditions as flows remain consistent over the past week.  The river at this time has great color and visibility.

Dry conditions the past week with little or no precipitation is also a plus for river conditions this time of year.  A strong heavy rain shower, blasting across the low lying hillsides of the valley this time of year could be detrimental to the river and spring fishing.  Much like we have experienced the past two years.  

Speaking of stoneflies, we are still waiting for the onslaught of the Skwalla season to begin.  There has been a few hatching here and their but hardly enough really to say the cycle of stoneflies has started to happen on the river.  Colder then normal water temperatures for this time of year are retarding the hatch and really keeping them from forming in big numbers in the adult stages at this time. 

The official opener for many of the still waters around the state was this past Saturday and many of the die hard lake fly fishers were out testing the icy cold waters of the Central Basin.   Despite the cold, windy weather most of the lakes produced fish.  We had decent reports from Nunnally, Lenice and Dusty.  Those fishing at Lake Lenore didn’t fair so well and were blown off by white caps.  By the sounds of it most of the Lenore people ended up at Rocky Ford for the day, which probably wasn’t a bad decision on their part.  Reports of good Blue Wing Olive reports have been coming into the fly shop in Ellensburg the past couple of weeks.

This Saturday, March 8^th the staff of Worley Bugger Fly Co. will host the 9^th annual “Yakima River Clean Up” event.  If you plan to attend and haven’t registered we ask that you please do so before Friday.  This year also we are adding a little special twist to the Clean Up Event barbeque and raffle.  Every year, Worley Bugger Fly Co receives thousands of dollars in donations to hand out at the clean up event by our manufacturer sponsors like Sage, Scott, Winston, Galvan, SA, Waterworks-Lamson, Montana Fly Co and many, many more.  Thank you to them for your continued support of this annual event!  To date clean up participants have collect over 20,000 pounds of trash from the banks of the Yakima River.  Thank you to those that have contributed their efforts as well the last eight years!!

Every day of the year their are far too many unfortunate men, women and children in our community that go with out the bare necessity that you and I take for granted every day of the year.  This is a chance to give just a little back to the sick, elderly, and the underprivileged in Kittitas County.  With Easter Sunday just around the corner this year, Worley Bugger Fly Co. in conjunction with our Yakima River Clean Up Event is holding a Canned Food Drive for the local food bank here in Kittitas County.

Before attending the Clean Up Event on Saturday, dig into your pantry and bring as many non-perishable canned food items as you can afford.  Members of the Worley Bugger staff will be on hand to receive them the morning of the clean up.  For every canned item you bring, you will receive “1” raffle ticket per canned food item.  This raffle ticket will be good for the “SPECIAL” drawing that will be held immediately following the clean up barbeque.  The Food Drive Raffle prize has a retail value of almost $500.00. 

So dig deep "Yakima River Fly Fishers" and help those in need. Thank you and see you on Saturday at the KOA.

After a month of frigid, artic weather, the first weeks of February are off to a much warmer beginning.  This past week, the day time highs have been reaching the mid forty degree mark almost daily.  This Sunday was by far the warmest day yet this month with a near fifty degree high.  It was a beautiful day to spend on the river and many fellow anglers were out enjoying the first new portions of our fly fishing season on the Yakima.

The river is in beautiful condition, running low and crystal clear.  The winter snows around the valley are beginning to quickly disappear, especially over the past week.  Most of it is being absorbed into the ground, replenishing the depleted ground waters of Kittitas County.  Late evening breezes have also aided in the process.  Available access to the boat launches is wide open in the Farmlands and Lower Canyon stretches.  Portions of the Upper River above Cle Elum are still inaccessible at this point and time.

Most of all the snow on the eastern foot hills of the river valley has vanished under the warm, sunny days.  The western hillsides of Ellensburg are still finely coated with a blanket of snow pack.  The tall Ponderosa Pine that cover these ridges add a bit more cover making Mother Nature’s processes a bit more difficult.  It won’t be long and our river valley will once again be embellished in green grasses, thick vibrant foliage and pungent, spring wild flowers.

During the day encounters with Bald Eagles will occur as the soar over head and nest in the Cottonwoods along the river.  As day time temperatures warm and the river has begun to thaw, Chinook Salmon that spawned in the river during the late fall and or have been placed in the river to encourage higher nutrient content are now carrion for the magnificent bird of prey.  Portions of the Upper and Lower Farmlands are the best places for viewing this majestic bird right now.

Fishing this past week has been good, especially the days that follow a night of above freezing levels.  Water temperatures rise much quicker on these days and the fish become more active much earlier in the day.  When night time lows dip below this level, the bite is slower and begins a bit later in the day.  As we progress into the month of February this should become less of a factor as warmer night time temperatures prevail.

When the bite is on, fish are looking for meals of substance.  Stonefly nymphs in smaller sizes as well as a variety of various attractor style patterns are working well.  This time of year, I find its not really what you fish, but where you fish and how you fish it.  What this means is, the fish aren’t near as picky as they will be a month from now.  They can afford to be after the month of January and a river chocked of ice.  Next month, fish will have a variety of chow to choose from as several mayflies and the Skwalla Stones become readily available to them.  At this point the trout’s diet will diversify as they become more selective as more aquatic insects become available.

There is an incredible hatch of midges happening each day, however in areas of the Farmlands and above fish have had little interest in them.  Those looking for slurping surface feeders head south to the Yakima Canyon where this activity is much more predominate and predictable.

Believe it or not their also has been some Skwala adults starting to show up on the water.   The numbers are still relatively low, but over the past several days we are seeing a few and the fish are aware of their presence.  The ones that were seen were swallowed up quickly.  As the next week progresses we should begin to see more egg laying females and the dry fly fishing with large stonefly patterns will commence.

For those looking for some late season Summer Steelhead fishing one should consider the Methow River as a fine option this time of year.  However, the word today was hatchery escapement goals have been met for the season and the river is scheduled to close the end of February instead of the end of March. Temperatures are warming in this portion of the state as well and good reports are now starting to trickle into the fly shop about the river.  Also we are only days away from the official state stillwater opener.  Many of our quality lakes will open on March 1^st.

It’s Super Bowl Sunday, just hours before the big game and the Central Washington sunshine is blasting bright, warm rays across the Kittitas Valley.  Yesterday afternoon another big winter storm passed across this portion of the state, dumping several more inches along the river banks of the Yakima.

If you live in Washington State you are probably well aware that record piles of snow fall has been dumped on the Cascades Mountain Range this past week, stranding motorist on both sides of Snoqualmie Pass.  If you don’t live in the Evergreen State, you probably seen it reported on the national news.  More pass closures are expected later this week as the DOT tries to deal with the snow pack accumulations and keep the avalanche dangers to a minimum.

I wish I had a better conditions to report for you on the river, but I really don’t.  The past couple of weeks the night time temperatures have been so cold and the day time highs have remained below the freezing level, the river in places has completely frozen over. 

The big talk this week is all of the snow pack and what is it going to do to our spring fishing.  That is the big question?  As long as the rain doesn’t affect the low lying hillsides we will be okay.  Over the past several seasons, we have experienced several consecutive droughts and low water years.  The draw and demand on the water resource as well has increased in the Kittitas Valley, drawing the water table lower and lower each year.  Once that snow begins to melt around the river banks and valley’s, the ground acts much like a sponge and sucks it right up.  Of course it’s totally up to Mother Nature and what she decides to give us.

With the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday once again over and gone, we usher in a new fishing season in the Yakima River Valley.  A Happy New Year to everyone!

It’s January, our rivers slowest fishing month of the entire year.  Usually low lying fog banks nestle in the Columbia Basin this time of year, blanketing the river valley in a dense layer of cold winter haze. 

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.