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| Insect hatches are always changing due to weather conditions, water temperatures, flows etc... |
| This chart is a reference and not to be referred to as the current guarantee of bugs on the Yakima |
Yakima River Report Dec 30, 2003
Conditions can change quickly at this time of year! Due to the incredible cold snap we are experiencing, staying home, hugging the kids and drinking eggnog is not a bad idea as the Yakima's water temps have plummeted and there is major ice flow in the system from Cle Elum down. The steelhead fishing on the Coastal and Puget Sound rivers is a good idea!
Conditions due change and when things warm again the trout fishing on the Yakima will again be a great winter option. We will keep you updated ....
fish-on
jack
Yakima River Report Dec 28, 2003
The above statement reads, "The count down begins!" We are looking forward to the upcoming Skwala Stone season, but it is hard to imagine much better fishing and catching then recently. While the days are most certainly not "short sleeve weather" with the proper attire the day goes by fast as the action is almost continuous. Our guests over the last month have marveled at the action on the Yakima during the cold season.
Recently the water temps have dropped quite a bit. There are still a few isolated pods of fish on the midge. Watch for the midge activity to increase with the waters warming to the 37-38 degree mark. Recently I did a bit of R&D with various midge patterns and found the trout were quite receptive to a buoyant #18-20 Black bodied parachute. At times we think we need to get real small with the midge pattern and yet one of the most important parts of the game is presenting the fly drag free. The actual midges hatching have ranged from size 19-26. Generally with a well presented 1x-short #18-20 fly you will meet with success. Remember, trout are creatures of habit; once they see that #18-20 1xshort fly skate over there nose a few times they will most likely turn their nose away from the offering. At this point it is time to "change up" by offering the trout a different pattern. Also if the fish go down because of "bad drifts", give them a break until they start rising again with regularity.
.....And "par for the course", fishing the fly on the swing has been gooood!
on the water, jack
Yakima River Report Dec 23, 2003
2003 was a great year for us. We trust it was for you as well. After all these years of guiding/fishing I personally still get excited about this fly fishing thing we do. We sincerely appreciate the loyal support we continue to receive. A special thanks goes out to our guide staff; as they have always been the "real deal".......
The reputation of The Evening Hatch Guide Service is based directly on our quality guide staff. We are proud and fortunate to have these individuals. These dedicated professionals are hard working, fleece wearing, sunglass bearing, weather tattered, sun lined, oar pulling, "There" shouting, fish netting, fly tying, genuine fly fishing guides and bums. At first glance they may appear to be aloof, out there, glaze eyed, robotic and/or just guide like. A closer look reveals a group of guys that will do whatever it takes to make your day the best it can be, period! All of these guides are exceptional individuals. They are a link between the knowledge you already have and the knowledge you would like to gain when it pertains to fishing with the fly. Covering the state, East to West, as well as focusing on our "Home Water" the Yakima river, these guides have personality, integrity and commitment!
Holiday closures-The shop will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day and we will close at 1pm on New Years Eve Day.
We are excited for the 2004 season as we are offering some great new adventures including more Steelhead trips, a three day adventure to the Northeast corner of Washington for The Best Kept Secret in trout, Bonefishing in the Yucatan Peninsula, Trout/Salmon fishing on the Kanektok and of course staying Up Close and Personal with "Our Home Water" the Yakima.
The Fly Shop will also see a facelift. The first phase of the remodel is scheduled at the beginning of January and with that we would like to note that the shop will be "closed" from Jan 5-7. We will continue to guide during that time period but the retail side will technically be closed. Feel free to stop in as we will most likely be able to help you out!
on the water 365 days a year....from the sage to the ferns,
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report Dec 21, 2003
The water temps on the Yakima have increased over the last couple days. I can't imagine better trout fishing for this time of year. Overall, the last 20 days has been spectacular. Multiple tactics have been used to fool the trout recently including dries, nymphs, streamers and the wet fly swing.
Today's midge hatch was fantastic. As with many other insects, the fish don't rise "everywhere" for the midge. Look for the slow water on inside corners and the like. Today we found numbers of fish (30-40) working on adult midges in a large soft water zone. We also saw a few Blue Wings.....but the fish were tuned into the midge. Generally the most "techy" part of midge fishing is seeing the fly! The fly does have to be drag free as well!
As with most other days lately, today's fishing the fly on the swing was great.........
Just a thought;
What is it about being
waterside? Fishing with the fly is more than just fishing; To put it
simply for me, the word is "Clean". For many, there is nothing more
pure than fishing the fly on the swing. There are many methods of fly
fishing, but when fishing a fly on the swing all that surrounds you
seems as clear and vivid as the blue sky.
All methods of fly fishing utilize strategies and require
certain skills...
Patience, focus, rhythm and insight are words that
really don't seem to fit into the above statement yet reflect what at
times make up a big part of the thought process and strategy of fishing
a particular run on a river utilizing the swing; at least for me. Short
of sounding like a cliché, the four words and the application in the
fishing process are clearly therapeutic.
The irony is that often times an angler is rewarded with a fish on the swing when their patience, focus, rhythm and insight is wearing thin! With steelhead, the fish of 1000 casts, this blessing is a rejuvenation! With trout, the "take" may come many, many times in the day and the angler should never take for granted the glory he/she experiences from this marvelous way of fishing!
fish-on
jack
Yakima River Report Dec 18 2003
Water temps have dropped significantly over the last few days. Fishing is certainly worthy. The fishing on the swing and/or strip with streamers over the last few days has been the choice. Whenever I can put the indicator/bobber away and be productive, it is a good thing. The river sported some great rises the first two weeks of December, but currently the midge activity is non-existent.
Winter Trout Fishing (Jan 2000) is not for everyone. Rarely does the airtemp reach above 44 degrees, layers of clothing are a must and fingerless or fingered polypropylene gloves are your best friend. If there is a wind, the chill factor can be biting. On a warm winter day, the weather is tolerable for the average angler. On a normal winter day the temperatures are marginal for the average fisherperson and on a cold winter day the temperatures are basically not enjoyable for the consensus. Winter fishing is for the angler, not for the fair weathered interested fisherman. Winter fishing is for someone who enjoys fishing and not catching. The catching can be great in the Winter, but when it isn't the weather is an obstacle that most fair weathered fishers would like to do without.
Generally, solitude, abundant wildlife, low and clear water combined with average to great fishing is why the angler enjoys fishing in the snow. Within the last week of writing this, I have seen deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, elk, eagles, hawks and blue heron riverside. The other day while fishing with one of our guide staff, I witnessed a blue heron trying to eat the 17 inch cutthroat at the end of his line. After the blue herons first mid-flight attempt at the trout the bird then landed 7 feet away from my friend and attempted to eat the trout while on its feet. Recently, I watched an angler fishing from my boat become a bit miffed when he thought he had hooked the bottom while swinging a fly sub surface and only to be amazed when the bottom started to move and low and behold the next thing he knew the bottom was shaking its head just above the surface and spitting the hook! All I said was, "that was a big fish".
Fishing roadside can rally up some interesting looks from passing by motorists. While fishing roadside during one of the best midge hatches I have ever seen, I was questioned by an interested person as to how fishing was. He had stopped to view some of the bighorn sheep on the other side of the river and saw me hook up on a fish. Anyhow, he proceeded to ask me questions relating to the river and I was so engrossed in the moment of this incredible pod of fish in front of me that I basically never took my eyes off the water while talking to him. Hopefully he didn't think I was rude, but what was happening in front of me was to good to be true!
Water temperatures are a significant factor during this time of year. On the Yakima, if the water temperature is not getting above 34 degrees on any consistent basis, you might as well hang up your rod and socks, tie flies, drink eggnog and hug your kid. That is not to say you can't catch a fish, but..................
There is just something about fresh winter snow and a river. The day is bright even if it is cloudy, the water is friendly even if it is cold and the fish are there even if they are not biting.
Respectfully and fish-on
jack
Yakima River Report Dec 14, 2003
The Midge fishing has slowed over the last couple days but the nymph and streamer game has been great. The key to the nymphing is dead drift! Slack line nymphing will pay off if the drift is impeccable. Utilizing a variety of nymphs, including smaller stone nymphs, brassies of various colors and the like. The water has dropped slightly on a daily basis over the last week.
Respectfully and fish-on
jack
Yakima River Report Dec 12, 2003
Midge Dries, various nymphs and streamers are all part of the arsenal......fishing is gooood. Utilizing streamers on the swing and stripping is a great bet all day as well as early in the day. As things warm up a bit watch the soft water for fish midging; fish adult midges or pupa just under the surface. When nymphing don't get caught on fishing to deep....they will move for the fly. A mini K-stone today hooked numbers of fish when nymphing as did a JJ streamer and a mini leech on the swing streamer style. When we found rising fish, an adult paramidge or a brassie just under the surface sufficed. Total hook-ups today numbered around 50-60 in our 4 hour power hour report!
Today's Honorable mention ---- Casting a mini leech to rising fish with a 13'6" Spey rod and a type 3 tip!
Respectfully and fish-on
jack
Yakima River Report Dec 10, 2003
Same story......different day; Good Fishing!
Respectfully and fish-on
jack
Yakima River Report Dec 9, 2003
Over the years, the first two weeks of December has traditionally been the best midge weeks of the winter and once again it is "Par for the Course"...Fishing to rising fish in isolated zones on the Yakima recently with #18-22 dry flies has been quite goooood. Prior and post hatch utilize the nymph and streamers. Remember, sometimes shallow nymphing at this time of year is the key.....especially with midge Pupa!
Respectfully and fish-on
jack
Yakima River Report Dec 3, 2003
The river continued to rise after the last report but is now back on track. The nymph fishing from now on should be decent to great depending on the day utilizing the always standard...Stone nymph and dropper nymph combo. The midge dry fly fishing should continue to be decent to great depending on the day and zone you are in. Don't forget the sink tips as well.....my personal favorite at this time of year!
on the water, jack
Yakima River Report Nov 30, 2003
The river increased in flows and decreased in clarity overnight. The water came from all tribs starting at the top...including Cabin Creek, Big Creek, The Teanaway, etc. Graphs show the river dropping as we speak. The fishing yesterday was, awesome. We will keep you updated as conditions change.
on the water
Yakima River Report Nov 28, 2003
The midge fishing is gooooooood!
on the water
Yakima River Report Nov 26, 2003
The Yakima river flows have continued to decrease in volume over the last few days. We have been fishing a mixture of techniques....personally I like to use a sink tip at this time of year and basically Steelhead swing specific runs with a variety of patterns.....fairly generic patterns like #8-10 Olive or Brown Buggers, mini leeches and the like. There have been good numbers of rising fish in the canyon to the midges (#16-18 cluster patterns and #18-24 single midge pattern in Black and Olive), which is always a worthy cause, and then of course nymphing with indicators which is a slam dunk if your in the right zone....Copper Johns #16-18 Brassies #16-22 Stone Nymphs #8-12 etc. .......
Wishing you and yours a joyous Thanksgiving and holiday season!
Drive safe, drink eggnog, spend time with the loved ones and of course,
cast a fly or two!
Just a thought....
What is it about being waterside? Fishing with
the fly is more than just fishing; To put it simply for me, the word is
"Clean". For many, there is nothing more pure than fishing the fly on
the swing. There are many methods of fly fishing, but when fishing a
fly on the swing all that surrounds you seems as clear and vivid as the
blue sky.
All methods of fly fishing utilize strategies and require
certain skills...
Patience, focus, rhythm and insight are words that
really don't seem to fit into the above statement yet reflect what at
times make up a big part of the thought process and strategy of fishing
a particular run on a river utilizing the swing; at least for me. Short
of sounding like a cliché, the four words and the application in the
fishing process are clearly therapeutic.
The irony is that often times an angler is rewarded with a fish on the swing when their patience, focus, rhythm and insight is wearing thin! With steelhead, the fish of 1000 casts, this blessing is a rejuvenation!
jack
Respectfully,
The Evening Hatch and Riverside Adventures 1-866-482-4480
www.theeveninghatch.com www.flyfishnorthwest.com
Yakima River Report Nov 21, 2003
The Yakima river flows have decreased substantially over the last 24 hours due to less precipitation and colder air temps. Water temps are certainly colder as illustrated in the graph above. Techniques for fishing should include nymph fishing as well as streamers. The likelihood of rising fish is minimal. When fishing the streamer don't be afraid to utilize the sink tip, especially if your swinging the fly! Respectfully and fish-on,
The Hatch
Yakima River Report Nov 18, 2003
The Yakima river flows increased dramatically over the last 36hours. Currently the condition of the river is not good.........Stay home for now and watch our report page for updates! The water is starting to drop, but is certainly still out of shape.
fish-on
Yakima River Report Nov 17, 2003
The Yakima increased in flows over the last few days due to warm days and a bit of snow melt.... Nothing alarming, and the color of the river is still in good shape. Fishing has been goooood on the Yakima lately. Predominantly a nymph and/or streamer game. Dry fly fishing has been limited. Utilize small nymphs for the most part. Have a variety of #16-22's in the box and a mix of colors and present the nymph drag free. Look for the established slots and key in on the drops.
Don't try to present the nymph from long distances. Get as close to the target zone as possible and make the cast. If you think your getting drag free, your not! There is no drift that is perfectly drag free and most of the drifts are most likely lacking in the "extra edge". Hone up your skills and utilize slack line nymphing and the catch rate will go up! Streamers are always a great winter tactic.....either stripping and/or swinging.
If your looking for some Steel, The Metalheads on the Methow are moving again!
On the water daily...........
fish-on
Yakima River Report Nov 14, 2003
The Yakima increased in flows over the last few days due to warm days and a bit of snow melt.... Nothing alarming, and the color of the river is still in good shape. Fishing has been goooood on the Yakima lately. Predominantly a nymph and/or streamer game. Dry fly fishing has been limited. Utilize small nymphs for the most part. Have a variety of #16-22's in the box and a mix of colors and present the nymph drag free. Look for the established slots and key in on the drops.
Don't try to present the nymph from long distances. Get as close to the target zone as possible and make the cast. If you think your getting drag free, your not! There is no drift that is perfectly drag free and most of the drifts are most likely lacking in the "extra edge". Hone up your skills and utilize slack line nymphing and the catch rate will go up! Streamers are always a great winter tactic.....either stripping and/or swinging.
If your looking for some Steel, The Metalheads on the Methow are moving again!
On the water daily...........
fish-on
Yakima River Report Nov 10, 2003
The fishing has definitely heated up over the last few days in conjunction with the water temps. The cold arctic temperatures have left us for now! Generally the nymphing is where it is at when it comes to numbers of fish ; Utilize small nymphs in general and target the slots. Also fishing sink tips and swinging the fly Steelhead style is an option, especially in the early part of the day. Not much for major rises lately but if someone is dead set on dry fly fishing the best time of the day is from 12-4.
On the water daily...........
fish-on
Yakima River Report Nov 6, 2003
We would consider the fishing on the Yakima over the last few days as average. Hatches have slowed considerably. Target the fish with nymphs and streamers. If you find rising fish utilize long leaders, drag free drifts and little bugs!
On the water daily...........
fish-on
Yakima River Report Oct 31, 2003
The weather has turned a bit cold! The rise today was significantly less then it has been. Yesterday's rise was absolutely prolific and today's, well, fairly dismal. That doesn't mean we won't see anymore bugs or rises.....It just means that the colder weather slowed things down momentarily!
Concentrate on nmphs and streamers over the next few days. When you find sippers, target the fish with little BWO or Midge patterns and drag free drifts
On the water daily...........
fish-on
Yakima River Report Oct 27, 2003
This is starting to sound like a broken record but the nymph game continues to be a slam dunk and the dry fly fishing has been average to great depending on the day and the angler! The dry fly fishing can be techy as the patterns tend to be small, hard to see and the fish tend to be narrow minded.
The fall colors are turning and the next two weeks should be incredible.
On the water daily...........
fish-on
Yakima River Report Oct 20, 2003
This is the Best of the Fall! Good rises between 12-4 pm as well as great nymphing!
On the water daily...........
fish-on
Yakima River Report Oct 18, 2003
Great rises between 1 and 4pm over the last few days has kept things interesting.....Baetis, Mahogany's and Cahills! Nymphing has been fairly automatic.
On the water daily...........
fish-on
Yakima River Report Oct 14, 2003
Technical dry fly fish and easy nymphing has been the story....end of story!
On the water daily...........
fish-on
Yakima River Report Oct 7, 2003
The fishing recently has been quite good in the Farmlands and Lower Canyon. The Mahogany Duns have just started to show themselves for the 2003 Fall. Baetis and Midges have been prolific recently, especially in the Farmlands and Lower Canyon. The dry fly fishing has picked up a bit over the last few days as the weather has been a bit more conducive....More clouds and cooler. For the most part over the last week the nymphing has been the game and it has been good!
On the water daily...........
fish-on
On the water daily - The Hatch and Riverside Adventures
Yakima River Report Oct 1, 2003
Long time between reports here...apologize for the delay! We have been incredibly busy. The lower canyon has been good to great fishing with little nymphs and dries. The fish you find on top will be quite challenging...presentation will be the key. Longer leaders and light tippets are important as well as drag free!!!!!!! The river has seen quite a bit of pressure lately and the fish seem to be a bit spooky; so be stealthy.
The little nymph game has been great! Remember, the water is low and fishing the edges is generally not the game now...Look for the deeper slots. We have been seeing lots of large fish lately as well.
Regarding low water conditions. With the amount of pressure we have been seeing by wade and boat fisherman the river has been a bit crowded. For the most part the drift fisherman are covering water fairly quickly in comparison to the wading angler. Unfortunately, at this low of volume the boat anglers and wade anglers tend to be fairly close to each other in passing. We all need to be courteous and the wading angler needs to realize that most boats only have one route they can take through the specific run. This route will most likely be fairly close to the water the wading angler is targeting. Everyone needs to relax as there are plenty of fish for every angler, given a good presentation. The hole is not ruined because a boat goes over it, nor is it ruined because a wader crossed it.
The Farmlands have fished good lately especially with deep nymphing techniques as well as dry fly fishing. The Upper Canyon and Upper Flatlands have been spotty but worthy with dries and nymphs. There most certainly is a large number of Adult October Caddis in the upper Canyon. Most definitely the most concentration on the river.....
fish-on
On the water daily - The Hatch and Riverside Adventures
Yakima River Report September 23, 2003
The river is fishing average to good. Some of the best daytime fishing (by a searching method) is deepwater nymphing. Stepping back and observing the water and run you are fishing is a good suggestion especially with the small dries. There are definitely decent number of trout rising throughout the day in specific zones...but an angler needs to observe to find them. They have also become quite picky due to the pressure. Longer leaders and finer tippets with the small dries will be helpful. Spinner falls have been key!
fish-on
On the water daily - The Hatch and Riverside Adventures
Yakima River Report September 18, 2003
The river is fishing good to great overall. The October Caddis is starting to show in small numbers and should only escalate over the next 3-4 weeks. Baetis hatches have been fairly strong and being in the right spot at the right time has been the ticket. There are definitely pods of fish on the Baetis in isolated zones. Prime time for Baetis lately has been from 1pm to 4pm, but this is not iron clad. Most likely if you find fish rising it is on Baetis and/or Cahills. Toward the end of the day there have been some fish keying in on #16-20 Caddis as well.
Multiple techniques have been worthy....Everything from dries to nymphs under indicators or dry droppers, Streamer stripped and/or swung as well as soft hackle fishing. Swinging streamers early in the day has proved to be decent, if you don't want to nymph.
On the water daily - The Hatch and Riverside Adventures
Yakima River Report September 15, 2003
The guide crew has been on all ends of the river over the last week. The overall fishing has been quite good with a few days being tough in specific zones. The fishing pressure in the Farmlands and Lower Canyon on Saturday was as strong as I have personally ever seen.
Baetis continue to be the bug o plenty although there are decent numbers of #16 Cahills hatching in specific zones. #16-20 Tan and Pale Grey Caddis are also prevalent throughout the day especially in the late morning and evening. The Crane fly is out and about and most certainly is a worthy fly choice. The Terrestrial game continues with ants, beetles and hoppers all part of the game. The big fly imitation (especially tan and gray) doubles for both the hopper and the summer stonefly. The summer stones have been sporadic over the last month but have been a bit more consistent as of recently.
The weather has been awesome lately with mostly light winds. Watch for the Cahills to be a meal ticket even with the hordes of Baetis.
On the water daily - The Hatch and Riverside Adventures
Yakima River Report September 12, 2003
Wow...Water levels are low and the water temps have cooled! Fall is here and we have been experiencing some good to great fishing lately. A variety of dry flies, nymphs, streamers and soft hackles/wet flies have all been part of the ticket.
Recently the Baetis have been fairly prolific and we have seen a few Cahills here and there. Watch for the Summer Stone activity to be fairly strong over the next 3 weeks as well.
The river is incredibly wader friendly and should remain so until next Spring.
On the water daily - The Hatch and Riverside Adventures
Yakima River Report September 8, 2003
This cooling trend could not have come at a better time. The water levels are definitely low now and if the hot weather would have continued our water temps would have been "over the top ". Someone must be looking out for us!
The fishing through the flip flop has been good to great! We have been covering the river from top to bottom and experienced some great fishing over the last few days.
Strong hatches of Baetis have been prevalent in the Farmlands and Lower Canyon over the last two days. The Summer Stones have been active again as well. The next three months should be rockin...
On the water daily - The Hatch and Riverside Adventures
Yakima River Report September 4, 2003
The weather man shows more hot weather for the remainder of the week. Starting Sunday we are supposed to see a week of significantly cooler air temps which will be a welcomed change.
Warning The East Cle Elum State Boat launch is currently a very hazardous put in and take out. This is especially true if you are not an experienced boatman. Taking out at this location is actually more technical than putting in. Using this location is definitely not recommended for anyone without significant boatman skills. This particular launch has been marginal over the last month and is most definitely more technical now with the water lowering.
On the water daily - The Hatch and Riverside Adventures
Yakima River Report September 3, 2003
Brilliant orange sunrises and sunsets from forest fires in Oregon have made for amazing sights here in the Kittitas Valley. Warm temps here in the valley continue to float in the high 80's and should stay until Saturday when some weather should move in and help mix things up a bit. As the flip-flop of the river continues...fishing has stayed average to good depending on the time of day. Evening time until dark seems to be the best time for dry action.
On the water daily - The Hatch and Riverside Adventures
Yakima River Report August 30th, 2003
Sunset is most certainly getting earlier day by day and the Autumn season is just around the corner. The cobalt blue skies of Fall are here and generally with this new season we see ample wildlife and Mr Weather usually deals us poco viento...little wind. The flip flop is staging day by day. Water temps continue to be a bit warmer than usual but no doubt we are seeing a slight cooling trend in the river.
Currently, multiple techniques are your best bet when targeting the trout. The late afternoons and evenings have provided the angler with some decent to good dry fly fishing lately. The final hour of the day in certain zones on the river has been hot fishing. Utilizing a mixture of techniques during the day time will be significant in producing a better catch and release stat. Full on nymph fishing during the daytime has been quite productive in the typical nymph waters of the river. This is especially true in The Farmlands, Upper Flatlands and Lower Canyon. Streamers have been hit and miss lately throughout the system, yet have been worthy.
On the water daily - The Hatch and Riverside Adventures
Yakima River Report August 24th, 2003
Water temps have cooled a bit lately due to cooler nights and average day time air temps. Nymphs have been more productive lately in the Lower Canyon during the daytime. The evenings in the Lower Canyon have given the angler a good opportunity for some decent dry fly fishing The Upper Canyon, Upper Flatlands and Farmlands have produced some decent dry fly fishing during the daytime, as well as nymphing We have hooked some rather large trout lately but have only managed to land a few of them.
Looking forward to some Fall hatches...
On the water daily - The Hatch and Riverside Adventures
Yakima River Report August 20th, 2003
The river is on the stage down as we speak. Typically by the 10th of September the Yakima will be low and the flip flop will be complete. Between now and then the river will drop in increments. Rimrock reservoir is plugged full currently and the gates will open on the Tieton river as soon as the flip flop is complete.
Water temps on the Yakima are warmer than we have seen in years but are also subject to change with the weather. Cross our fingers for some cooler weather to lower the reservoir temps. Recently, we have experienced a few cooler nights and the result was positive.
Take care of the fish at these temps and if a "Grip and Grin" is necessary make sure to stage it so the trout is out of the water as little as possible.
Fishing is average during the day and average to good in the mornings and evenings.
On the water daily - The Hatch
Yakima River Report August 12th, 2003
Apologize for the delay on the update as we have been busy! Any how, fishing would be considered average to good, in our books. Water temps are back up. Nothing extremely alarming yet, but something to keep an eye on.
Utilizing a variety of tactics is your best bet as the fishing game lately has been to change up as needed. Nymphing, Dries, Classic Wet Flies and Streamers are all appropriate at one time or another. Water temps are coolest in the AM and the hatches are strongest in the PM.
Bugs will vary a bit depending on the stretch of river you are fishing. In the last hour of light in the Upper Proper, Upper Flatlands and Upper Canyon you will predominantly find Yellow Sallies, Yellow Mays and Yellow May Spinners as well as a few Caddis. In the Farmlands and the Lower Canyon you will find a few Yellow Mays and Baetis and a large amount of Caddis. Throughout the river if you search the banks you will find Summer Stone nymphal skins and adults as well.
Looking forward to some cooler weather; Fall is just around the corner!
On the water daily - The Hatch
Yakima River Report August 6nd, 2003
Wild weather here in the Kittitas and Yakima Valley's hit last night! High winds, lighting, and much needed rain all visited last night leaving their impression on all who saw. Fishing however has remained great with the cooler weather making afternoon's on the river enjoyable. With the cooler weather caddis have made some great nightly appearances, also throw hoppers and bigger patterns too. During mid-day dry-dropper, nymphing, and streamers will make the most of your effort.
Hit the river soon!
On the water daily - The Hatch
Yakima River Report August 2nd, 2003
Halleluiah for the somewhat cooler air-temps, and the fishing continues to be good to great throughout the system. Overall water temps have cooled a bit. Nymphing and terrestrials during the day are your best bet and the last hour can be pretty awesome with Caddis and Mays.
On another note....The Fly Fishing world lost one of their long time ambassadors just recently; Dave Engerbretson passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2003 at his home in Moscow, Idaho. I was fortunate to have know Dave as he was an instructor of mine while I attended WSU as well as I spent a few days riverside with him over the years.......
Engerbretson was born in Tracy, Minn., on Feb. 18, 1936, to Adolph “Shing” M. and Marcella (Rawlings) Engerbretson. A younger brother, Robert, preceded him in death after being stuck by lightening while hiking in 1972.
Among his accomplishments while a youth was earning the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America, the organization’s highest possible advancement.
After high school graduation, Engerbretson attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and General Sciences. From there he enrolled at the University of Illinois earning a Masters of Science degree in Physical Education. He then enrolled in Pennsylvania State University where he went on to earn a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. He taught anatomy, exercise science, and fly fishing and conducted research in Washington State University’s College of Education until his retirement in May 1997.
Engerbretson married JoAnn Hanson in 1960. That marriage ended in divorce in 1979. In 1981, Engerbretson married Shirley Goodsell who survives him at their home after more than 22 years of marriage. Two sons were born from the first marriage and Engerbretson gladly took on the role of stepfather to Shirley’s two children from a previous marriage.
Eric Engerbretson, 40, is an accomplished musician and operates a musical ministry and coffee house in Moscow, Idaho, where he lives with his wife Sylvia and sons Ian, James, and Alec. Jeff Engerbretson, 37, lives in Truckee, Calif., with his daughter Amie and is a videographer and owner of a tree damage control company.
Stepchildren Don Griffith, 40, lives in Salt Lake City and Jennifer Vanderbeek, 35, lives in Boise with her two daughters Arwen and Elanor.
Engerbretson was a devout Christian and member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Moscow.
To most, Dave Engerbretson was best known for his love of fly fishing for more than 35 years. Early on, he conducted his own fly fishing school at the K Bar L ranch in Montana. He was a commercial fly tier for the Orvis Company and a licensed fishing guide on such famous waters as the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. In 2002, he was presented with the Charles E. Brooks Memorial Life Award by the Federation of Fly Fishers. In 1986, Engerbretson wrote, Tight Lines, Bright Water, an unusual blend of semi-autobiographical treatise and instructional text on all things related to the art and science of fly fishing. The book went on to become a staple of the genre.
Engerbretson was also a prolific magazine writer, lecturer, photographer, tackle designer, and consultant to many fly fishing manufacturers. He served as Western editor for Fly Fisherman magazine for many years. Until his death he was an editor-at-large to the magazine as well as a contributing editor to the Virtual Fly Shop, Cabela’s Guidebooks, and Lefty’s World. He was also the host of the popular PBS television series, Fly-tying; The Angler’s Art, seen nationwide. At the time of his death he was involved in writing a fly fishing textbook and conducting rod handle size research for the Winton Rod Co.
Engerbretson joined the FFF when it began back in the early 1960s while still a graduate student at Penn. State. He was a certified Master Caster and instructor. Dave was personally responsible for teaching thousands of students and citizens, especially in Idaho, to fly fish over the years.
Services will be conducted Monday Aug. 4, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Moscow. Graveside services will follow shortly after at the Moscow Cemetery. The family suggests any memorial gifts be sent to the CCM Redhawk Ministries, 516 S. Main St., Moscow, Idaho, 83843; The American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1833, Merrifield, VA 22116 or the Emmanuel Lutheran Church music ministry in Moscow.
So cast a fly for Dave, he would appreciate it!
--The Hatch
Yakima River Report July 31th, 2003
The Lower Canyon is open!
--The Hatch
Yakima River Report July 30th, 2003
Hot weather and most likely a bit of negligence caused a fire in the Lower Canyon yesterday. The fire is believed to have originated across the street from the popular launch site at Bighorn. Total acreage damaged is yet unknown and the fire although somewhat under control is not extinguished yet. The Canyon Road (SR821) has been closed since yesterday and should reopen soon.
This is the second fire in the past two weeks, as the Taneum Creek fire occurred on the 20th and 21st of this month.
The Lower Canyon's water temperatures are approaching a slight alert zone; 65 degree temps are a bit warm. The entire river is above the 60 degree mark. Currently the fish seem to be handling things fine. Proper catch and release skills are always a must, especially when the water temps are warm. According to Mr Weather we are supposed to see a slight cooling trend; Let's hope so!
The dry fly fishing continues to be good at lower light and the nymphing to good during the day.
--The Hatch
Yakima River Report July 27th, 2003
Hot weather and big water ......cover the water with multiple tactics.
Fish-on, Fish-often
Honorable mentions.....Hat dips & big bugs
--The Hatch
Yakima River Report July 22th, 2003
Fishing continues! Water levels have increased to typical summer flows and the fishing has been a mixture of dries, nymphs and streamers. The dry fly fishing has been best at lower light, in the lower river. The dry fly fishing in the upper reaches has been decent to average in the daytime. Water temps have increased a bit lately due to the HOT weather! According to Mr Weather the valley will see highs over 85 for the next week.
The Summer Stone continues to be the Big Meal Deal and a variety of big fly imitations are a good idea for the box. We have been hooking some rather large fish lately, landing them has been the challenge.
Make sure you come prepared with liquids for the day
Honorable mentions...
Stewart and Christina Emery's first trip, streamers in the sun and a black bear on Weaver road!!!
On The Water Daily....Fish On!
--The Hatch
Yakima River Report July 17th, 2003
Fishing continues to be good to great on the Yakima. We have posted a few pictures lately of rather large rainbows; To set the record straight, they are not from the Yakima and the background is not blacked out on purpose, the fish were just caught toward the end of the day!
On The Water Daily....Fish On!
--The Hatch
Yakima River Report July 13th, 2003
Summer Stones, Spinner Falls, Summer Baetis and Caddis...........Good Fishing!
Honorable mentions...
80 fish to the fly before 9am, The Chernobyl Ant Rubber Hatch, The same fish eating the fly 4 times, Getting off the river at 10:30pm, Bachelor groups of big Mule deer riverside and two bucks at the downtown Ellensburg Hollywood Video Store parking lot at 5am, Putting on at 3pm at Ringer and floating to Roza by 10pm, 100 degree days and the Mariposa Wind.
On The Water Daily....Fish On!
--The Hatch
Yakima River Report July 10th, 2003
Fishing is great right now! Summer is here temps are looking to hit mid 90's today, get the sunscreen, hat, and hit the water! Bright sunny days are going to make the nymphing game the major factor to landing fish during the day. With the warm days however, mix it up and throw hoppers and other big dries off the grass banks to get some hungry fish. At night the dry game is ON! Cast dries until you can't seem 'em! The almost full moon late at night makes for extra fun late on the water.
On The Water Daily....Fish On!
--The Hatch
Yakima River Report July 8th, 2003
Fishing is gooooood!
Fish on!.......nope, dang! I missed him! --The Hatch
Yakima River Report July 5th, 2003
Water levels throughout the system are jumping up a bit currently which is bringing much needed cooler water temps to most of the river. The trout have officially mailed in their change of address cards and are now lying in those familiar summer hang-outs, which in turn means the more experienced casters are going to have the early edge in chucking big dries extra close to the brush. Mid-day nymphing has been a great bet as well as experimenting with just about any other method you may see fit.
Bugs: Caddis, Summer Stones (light), Baetis, Yellow Sallies, Yellow Mayflies (light)
Boat traffic on the river was extra thick today which mainly consisted of yellow rubber rafts and tubes ranging in the size of a large fleet all the way down to the sporadic *river-rat (person with no boat or tube, just a life vest).
The fishing pressure has been light lately, the weather has been great, and the fishing continues to be quite productive. Come on over, the water's perfect!
Fish on!.......nope, dang! I missed him! --The Hatch
Yakima River Report June 30, 2003
Summer stones are gathering shore side and a few adults have been seen. The big dry fly game has started for the Summer of 2003. As the evening progresses there are numbers of smaller insect including, Baetis, PED's and Caddis...
On The Water Daily, Fish On and fish often
The Hatch and Riverside.
Yakima River Report June 28, 2003
Note: The state boat launch at South Cle Elum is currently approachable yet there are major hydraulics either entering or leaving the launch site...so be careful!
Wow...awesome weather and good fishing! Dries, nymphs and streamers...yada, yada, yada........
On The Water Daily, Fish On and fish often
The Hatch and Riverside.
Yakima River Report June 26, 2003
Note: The state boat launch at South Cle Elum is currently a fiasco due to a large shift of major debris from above. Take out prospects are quite undesirable until it can be fixed. Launching prospects are not as bad.
Nice weather is back and high pressure setting in here for the next couple of days. Good summer fishing is upon us! Water levels seem to be returning back to summer flows with clarity looking really good throughout the system. With bright sunny days expect the nymphing game or a dry-dropper combo throughout the day. With the warmer weather, terrestrials are pretty much knocking on the door, so throw an ant, beetle, or small hopper and wait for the good times!! Later in the evening look for the the dry's to start heating up until you can't see your fly!
On The Water Daily! Fish On!
The Hatch and Riverside.
Yakima River Report June 25, 2003
Note: The state boat launch at South Cle Elum is currently a fiasco due to a large shift of major debris from above. Take out and launch prospects are quite undesirable until it can be fixed.
Other than that, the fishing continues to be steady. Oh yeah, and the weather,.... well let's just say that it is quite comfortable (85 and calm).
Big-Bug opportunities are arising (no pun intended) and the thought of big dry fly fishing on the move, covering water.....sounds good!
--From the over-air conditioned fish shack,...........Fish on--Fish often! --The Hatch
Yakima River Report June 22, 2003
Fishing is gooooooood!
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside.
Yakima River Report June 21, 2003
A combination of dry flies, nymphs and streamers have been the strategy throughout the river lately. Both full on nymphing and dry-droppers have been effective. There have been some decent Caddis, Yellow Mays combined with Baetis throughout the system. Summer Stones are just around the corner, as well as hopportunity!
Water temps have tamed a bit since the heat wave diminished and the river is in great shape!
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside.
Yakima River Report June 18, 2003
The fishing on the Yakima has been fairly automatic lately, especially with nymphs in the Lower Canyon. The Farmlands have turned on a bit as well in comparison to the past couple weeks. The Upper Canyon and Flatlands have been decent to good.
Currently the Hatches are fairly light throughout the system. Water temps are a bit warm in the Lower Canyon for this time of year, partly due to lower water volumes?
The river is in great shape and although the wading access is less then it was, there are still ample areas that provide decent-good wading
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside.
Yakima River Report June 15, 2003
Just back from the Dean River in British Columbia. Fished the lower three miles just above the salt..."Oh my" is about all that can be said regarding the nickel silver bright Chinook and Steelies........
This Chinook was hooked on a fly in the Dean river approximately 1/3 of a mile from the salt! Took literally all my line and backing out; took me 30 minutes to land him and I ended up chasing him all the way to the Boca. Basically we got our ?!!'* handed to us many times by nickel silver bright chromers frrrreeeessshhhh from the salt!
The Yakima is fishing good especially in the Upper and Lower Canyons. The nymph game in the Lower Canyon has been quite productive as well as the dry fly game in the last couple hours. The Upper Canyon is seeing a bit more dry fly activity mid-day as compared to the Lower Canyon, but certainly nothing to write home about.
Being prepared with multiple bugs sub-surface throughout the river is a good idea. Spring hatches have waned quite a bit. We are not to far off from the Summer Stones and Hoppers. Currently, don't be afraid to use a few terrestrials such as ants and beetles for the mid-day heat.
On the water daily!
jack
The Hatch and Riverside.
Yakima River Report June 12, 2003
Summertime sustained flows are upon us now. Sunday brought the peak of the summer flows along with melt from the sustained heat from the week before. The river is pretty close to stabilization with clarity returning also. Wading anglers will find in-river spots a little harder to access, while boats will now have a larger part of the river to work from. The Lower Canyon by all reports has been the quickest to recover with good success reported . A change in weather is predicted which should bring some slight overcast days upon us with warming weather early next week.
With the summer irrigation release now complete, hungry fish are now relocating and are feeding both on the surface and sub-surface. Be prepared to throw nymphs, droppers, streamers, and dry's. The opening of awesome summer fishing is upon us now! Fish on....
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside.
Yakima River Report June 6, 2003
The Yakima is almost at summer levels. The Lower Canyon is still producing good numbers of trout, while the Farmlands continue to be a mystery? The Upper Canyon has been decent through the rise while the Upper Flatlands has been fairly tough.
Water temps are definitely cooler now, which is welcomed. We should see some stabilization within the next the next week. The fishing remarkably continues to be average to good in certain sections, even through the rise!
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report June 5, 2003
The water continues to rise currently and is projected to be at normal summer flow by Monday. According to the Bur. of Reclamation the flows should be fairly typical to a normal year.
Fishing recently has been average and we have been on the water daily, catching and releasing. Fish the oxygenated water with nymphs during the day and find a good spot for the evening rise. We have experienced some incredibly warm temperatures and bright sun lately which makes for some tougher dry fly fishing.
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report June 3, 2003
The Yakima will see a general increase in flows over the next 5 days directly related to man made releases. The river will stage up to summer flows by Monday, or there about. Remember, this is good as it helps keep the rivers temperatures cooler during the hot months. It does however limit access for the anglers on foot.
This would most definitely be one of the number one Springs in the 14 years we have been on the river. There was literally no down-time from a fishing angle, especially from March on and we still have 100% of snow pack. What more could you ask for!
Fishing continues to be stable. The Lower Canyon hatches in the evening have been prolific and the day has produced some good nymphing. The Farmlands continue to be fairly slow. The Upper Canyon, and Flatlands have been steady, like a rock!
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 31, 2003
The Lower Canyon rocked yesterday; The Farmlands,What's up? The Upper Canyon has been steady along with the Upper Flatlands and Upper Proper.
Water flows and temps are currently constant stable.
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 29, 2003
Water temps have increased significantly in the lower part of the Yakima. Fishing lately has been average. The flows are fairly consistent currently. The two factors to watch for in the next week are;
| 1-Natural flow increases from the tributaries below the Reservoirs, ie: The Teanaway, Big Creek, Tanuem etc |
| 2-Controlled releases out of the Cle Elum Reservoir; This system should increase in flows dramatically, soon! |
The flow increase from the Cle Elum river is not a bad addition. The Cle Elum River water is cool and keeps our river at a more optimal temperature. Granted it makes wading a bit more difficult, but cooler water is welcomed in the heat of summer
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 26, 2003
Currently, all the water on the Yakima is either stable or dropping. Fishing should be good today. Mr. Weather calls for a high haze and a high of 70. Recently the Lower Canyon experienced some of the most consistent prolific hatches and rises we have ever seen on the Yakima in any given week. Never take for granted prolific hatches and Rise Fests. The concept that these creatures are not rising for our benefit but literally for their survival, is a humbling thought!
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 25, 2003 Update
The Teanaway is definitely on the drop and clearing fast. The Upper Canyon did not look to good this morning but improved dramatically as the day progressed. Clarity started out this morning with 2.5 feet of vis and ended at 5 feet of vis. in that particular stretch. Above the Teanaway was compromised by Big creek just above the LDS ranch. It in fact is still quite dirty. Big Creek only has about 6 inches of vis currently as it enters the Yakima.
Regardless, the fishing was decent to good in The Lower Canyon today with PMD's and Nymphs. The Upper Flatlands fished average to good with nymphs.
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 25, 2003
The Teanaway increased in flows substantially yesterday....More than expected! Although the snow pack is fairly high and solid the two and a half days of 80 plus degree days and humid temperatures combined with some precipitation increased the melt . Currently the Teanaway is on the drop. Although the flows are up, the river is still lower then normal for this time of year!
The clarity is certainly compromised in the Lower Canyon as we speak. This does not mean the fishing will be poor. Watch for PMD's and Baetis to be the ticket today!
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 24, 2003
We are seeing some natural flow increase from the Teanaway River down, due to the warm temperatures. Nothing to alarming. Most of the snow pack in the upper Teanaway basin is fairly high and solid. Barring any huge heat spells, the snow pack in that drainage should come slow and steady; which is a good thing. We should also see some man made releases soon from the Cle Elum Reservoir upon irrigation demand. We will keep you posted as those conditions change.
The fishing continues to be remarkable in the Lower Canyon and good in the Upper Canyon. Yesterday was a bit bright and therefore we ended up doing a bit of light nymphing throughout the day time. The dry fly fishing continues to be the main focus.
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 22, 2003 Update
If your not casting to rising trout in the Lower Canyon on the Yakima from 1-9pm, something is wrong...
I love the smell of Caddis in the evening, it smells like, Victory!
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 21, 2003 Update
It just continues; Awesome Fishing!!!!!
Honorable mention-Len Zickler calling the shop from one of our guide boats and asking for a medic as his arm was numb from catching fish!
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 19, 2003
This note sent in by my good friend and guide for the Hatch, Mike Hamilton, pretty much sums it up...
You are right about yesterday. Epic and awesome. Bob and I pretty much had the river to ourselves from Red’s to the Slab. The PMD hatch along with the hundreds of birds and rising fish on two flats is like nothing I had ever experienced. We took fish after fish, after fish. Then we did it again. Also, below Buck Island was a caddis frenzy at 5:30 p.m., right in the middle of the river. Fish up everywhere.
On the water daily!
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 18, 2003 update
Short of multiple 20 inch fish, yesterday the Lower Canyon was as good as it gets, epic, incredible & awesome. In fact the last week has been pretty much the same story
Blue Wings, PMD's, Caddis, Midges....Yada, Yada, Yada.
On the water daily
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 16, 2003 update
We would call the fishing, a whack-fest lately...End of story!
On the water daily
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 15, 2003 update
The wind factor lately has been fairly relentless yet the Lower Canyon has been good to great dry fly fishing. The predominant bugs continue to be Caddis of sorts and PMD's. The Farmlands lately have been a bit tough and we have not had anyone up in the Upper Canyon and Flatlands over the last few days...so no report on those stretches.
Honorable mentions; Jim Teeny's 24 incher & John P's rowing debut!
On the water daily
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 10, 2003 update
Spring rolls on here and the Farmlands and Lower Canyon continue to produce big numbers of bugs. The Upper canyon has also been giving up some decent hatches lately. The foliage is almost in full bloom and we still have a large amount of snow in the higher elevations. The river is in great condition currently.
The Caddis activity consists predominantly of both Glossosoma (Tan #16-18)and Brachycentrus (American Grannoms Olive Grey #14). The PMD action continues as well. Cloudy days tend to be more prolific. On bright days look for the shadows and you will most likely find some sippers. The trout are a bit more wary on bright days and therefore emerging patterns can be the ticket when you are looking to target fish on or near the surface. Nymphing is also a great game on the bright days.
Being prepared with a variety of patterns is recommended as the trout will most certainly key in on specific colors and stages of all the insects. It is not uncommon to find a specific pod of fish in one spot keying in on PMD's and as you round a corner find another group targeting Caddis!
On the water daily
The Hatch and Riverside
Yakima River Report May 8, 2003 update
PMD hatches over the last two days have been strong in specific zones from KOA to Roza. Above KOA the PMD has been available but not in the same numbers as below. Caddis and Baetis continue to be part of the bug de jour as well in the Farmlands and Lower Canyon.
Our focus lately/usually is dry fly fishing and we are afforded that luxury as we tend to cover water by boat looking for the rising fish or pods. For those on foot, either cover water via foot/car or utilize some nymph techniques in the zone your in. There is no doubt that nymphing has been very effective lately. Utilizing PT's, PT Soft Hackles, Caddis Larvae and Pupa along with a few Stone nymphs have pretty much covered the bases.
The Upper Canyon and Flatlands continue to produce some good fish, generally not the numbers. The Salmon Fly has been a bit more visible in that region lately along with a light mixture of Caddis, PMD's and March Browns.
Presentation is the key when fishing the dry fly. If there are multiple insects on the water, why would the trout eat your fly if it, just by chance or skill goes by the targeted fish, once, with a bit of drag or drag free?
Suggestions;
1) Focus on one fish. If you are jumping from one trout to another you are not able to hone in on one specific trout.
2) If you offer the fly over the fish once, with what you would consider being a good presentation, and the fish doesn't eat your fly, this doesn't mean the fish doesn't like the pattern choice. My rule of thumb is...Three times over the fish with a near perfect drift (because no drift is perfect) before I will consider changing the fly ( as long as the fly I am using is fairly representative of what they are eating) Factors such as, feeding rhythm, other naturals prevalent and drag will be elements of why the fish may pass up your offering.
3) Over exaggerate your specialty presentation casts (Reach Casts, Parachute Casts etc.) in order to promote the "drag free drift."
On the water daily
The Evening Hatch and Riverside Adventure
Yakima River Report May 6, 2003 update
Every day has been a bit different. Yesterday the main game was predominantly Baetis and the two days before we saw good numbers of PMD's! Today there is good Caddis activity and so being equipped with a range of bugs is a smart idea.
Nymphing early in the day if there are no bugs prevalent has been a good approach. When the bugs start showing don't be alarmed if you don't find fish rising in the zone you are in; Just cover some water via boat and/or foot until you do find fish working.
The water is certainly low for this time of year and there is definitely some wading opportunities for those of you on foot!
On the water daily
The Evening Hatch and Riverside Adventure
Yakima River Report May 3, 2003 update
The last couple days on the Yakima has been a bit tougher. The nymph game in the Farmlands and Lower Canyon has been the overall ticket. There have been a few isolated rises but for the most part the dry fly game has been far less then it was April 26 to the 1st of May. The Upper Canyon has produced some decent fishing with both dries and nymphs but again the last couple days have been quite a bit tougher...
On the water daily
The Hatch
Yakima River Report April 30, 2003 update
Smokin!
End of Story, The Hatch
Yakima River Report April 27, 2003 update
Blizzard Caddis....in the AM, Gorgeous weather, end of story.
Honorable mentions...
Guide Greg Chang diving in the river to save a rod, Skittering Caddis, Drag free drifts, Guide Joe Rotter corking his compadres, and last but not least San Miguels for any and all.
On the water daily,
Riverside Adventures and The Evening Hatch
Yakima River Report April 27, 2003
Recently the weather has been quite variable. In the last four days we have seen complete overcast and solid rain as well as clear blue skies and no wind! There is literally a buffet of bugs hatching in the Farmlands and Lower Canyon currently....
Hatches consist of:
Baetis #16-18 Strong in isolated zones
March Browns #12-14 Good to Great in isolated zones
Yellow Mayflies#16 Light in isolated zones
Caddis #14-18 Good to great in isolated zones
Caddis # 10(Silver Sedge) Light in isolated zones
Salmon Flies #6 Light, yet we have seen a few.
Yesterdays fishing was absolutely great...plain and simple! American Grannoms are on the edge of a full blown emergence. We have seen good to almost great emergences recently but we are currently primed for the great to incredible emergence that happens at this time of year.
The Upper Canyon fished average yesterday with the March Brown and Caddis being the primary bugs...
On the water daily,
Riverside Adventures and The Evening Hatch
Yakima River Report April 24, 2003
Due to a deluge of rain in the last 24 hours the river has seen an increase in flows and a decrease in clarity. Fishing today was average on a whole a good during the hatch. The Caddis game has been slowed considerably due to the cooler weather and the March Brown was the game today...
On the water daily,
Riverside Adventures and The Evening Hatch
Yakima River Report April 21, 2003
Spring is definitely here and the colors are full and foliage in bloom. The river is most certainly low for this time of year and the wading opportunities are ample. Fishing over the last few days has been gooooood to great for rising fish in the Farmlands and Lower Canyon. The best of the dry fly fishing currently seems to be be between 10am and 4pm.
The Upper Canyon, Upper Flatlands and Upper Proper have been showing some good fish lately....just not numbers of fish.
A myriad of bugs are present....see last report. We are also seeing a few small Yellow Mayflies...Possibly PED's. Nonetheless, we are are on the edge of a full blown Mother's day Caddis hatch. We have seen good emergences and flights over the last few days. The trout have definitely keyed in on the Caddis and continue to key in on the March Browns in isolated zones as well.
Turning over rocks in the Farmlands shows good numbers of prime Salmon Fly Nymphs ready to hatch. As we stated in a few reports earlier we have actually seen a few adult Salmon flies and recently a couple true Golden Stones. Of these two, The Salmon Fly is more prevalent in the system.
Let's cross our fingers that the river stay in decent shape over the next few weeks as the fishing is definitely on target as we speak!
On the water daily,
Riverside Adventures and The Evening Hatch
Yakima River Report April 20, 2003
Holy Smokes..........The Farmlands and the Lower Canyon yesterday wer