YAKIMA REPORT - DECEMBER 20, 2014
The fishing remains solid on the Yakima....From now until March 1 is the forgotten season; great fishing and typically exceptional water conditions. Broken record for 20 years.
Recent photo from the Yakima....
Recent photo from the Yakima....
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT - 12/16/14
The fishing has been great lately. Both the nymph and the streamer have been producing.....
Nymphing Stone Nymphs, Midge Larvae, Worms and general attractor nymphs have been the ticket when fishing under the bobbercator.
Patterns of the week include;
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| San Juan Worms |
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| Sculpin Patterns |
YAKIMA WINTER FISHING
Plain and simple, the fishing on the Yakima during the Winter and early Spring can be incredible. Often times the river is low and clear and the fish tend to be 'funneled' and isolated to specific zones. Food sources are significantly less at this time of year so the trout and whitefish will target the available foods in the 'feed me' zones. Generally on the Yakima some of the best winter calories for the trout consist of Skwala Stone flies, Midge pupae and adults, Whitefish spawn (egg patterns), Caddis pupa and forage fish.
Typical 'feed me' zones can be described as defined drop-offs and slow downs following large riffles or less isolated waters such as long deep pools. Big broad open flats, riffles and pocket water with multiple current lines are inviting and intriguing but certainly not isolated . The trout are often 'holed' up at this time of year and will move with in that hole to 'funnels' zones. The fish are definitely more migratory within a zone during winter's low volume and cold water season. Usual water temps for this time of year range from 35-40 degrees.
Let's paint a picture here. 9am in the morning and the water temperature is 35 degrees. The midge activity is minimal. By about 11am the water temp has warmed up to 36 and the trout are starting to move up from the depths of 'the hole' toward the drop off that forms the hole. Feeding becomes more active as the midge pupae are hatching more regular and the trout target the pupae along with the eggs of the whitefish. (Whitefish spawn in the flat riffles of tail outs and the riffles at the heads of pools). The water temp peaks at 38 degrees and holds at that temperature from 1-2:30. The fish actively seek the aforementioned food sources combined with the occasional Skwala Stone nymph. The Skwala stonefly perpetuates with a two year life cycle and hatches in March+/- on most western streams, including the Yakima. Therefore, the most mature adult Skwala nymphs are active during the winter time as they are not far away from their emergence. (hatching). At about 3:30 the water temps start to drop usually and given the strength of the subsurface activity the trout may continue to feed or may settle back into the hole where they can conserve energy until the following day, eating here and there. Fishing streamers (forage fish) is a great technique at all times of the day in the winter. Utilizing the retrieve and the swing can both be very effective. Sometimes, prior and post to the described days activity is optimal because the fish are not typically feeding hard, yet the calorie intake of a small fish is hard to pass up.
While every day is not exactly the same, the above description is representative of 'Winter Fishing'.
When conditions align for optimal fishing, some of the best fishing/catching on the Yakima River can be in the Winter. Proper attire is essential as the water temps and air temps demand quality outdoor gear designed to cushion the elements.
Aside from the actual fishing, Winter brings a new perspective to rivers. The landscape is 'pared to the bone'. The birds of prey are on the hunt. The Big Horn sheep are wintering in the Lower Canyon after a long and arduous rutting season. The most patient fisher of all, the Blue Heron, is present daily. Small herds of elk find refuge near the river bottom especially from Ellensburg upstream. Rarely is the river crowded; In fact, never.
Typical 'feed me' zones can be described as defined drop-offs and slow downs following large riffles or less isolated waters such as long deep pools. Big broad open flats, riffles and pocket water with multiple current lines are inviting and intriguing but certainly not isolated . The trout are often 'holed' up at this time of year and will move with in that hole to 'funnels' zones. The fish are definitely more migratory within a zone during winter's low volume and cold water season. Usual water temps for this time of year range from 35-40 degrees.
Let's paint a picture here. 9am in the morning and the water temperature is 35 degrees. The midge activity is minimal. By about 11am the water temp has warmed up to 36 and the trout are starting to move up from the depths of 'the hole' toward the drop off that forms the hole. Feeding becomes more active as the midge pupae are hatching more regular and the trout target the pupae along with the eggs of the whitefish. (Whitefish spawn in the flat riffles of tail outs and the riffles at the heads of pools). The water temp peaks at 38 degrees and holds at that temperature from 1-2:30. The fish actively seek the aforementioned food sources combined with the occasional Skwala Stone nymph. The Skwala stonefly perpetuates with a two year life cycle and hatches in March+/- on most western streams, including the Yakima. Therefore, the most mature adult Skwala nymphs are active during the winter time as they are not far away from their emergence. (hatching). At about 3:30 the water temps start to drop usually and given the strength of the subsurface activity the trout may continue to feed or may settle back into the hole where they can conserve energy until the following day, eating here and there. Fishing streamers (forage fish) is a great technique at all times of the day in the winter. Utilizing the retrieve and the swing can both be very effective. Sometimes, prior and post to the described days activity is optimal because the fish are not typically feeding hard, yet the calorie intake of a small fish is hard to pass up.
While every day is not exactly the same, the above description is representative of 'Winter Fishing'.
When conditions align for optimal fishing, some of the best fishing/catching on the Yakima River can be in the Winter. Proper attire is essential as the water temps and air temps demand quality outdoor gear designed to cushion the elements.
Aside from the actual fishing, Winter brings a new perspective to rivers. The landscape is 'pared to the bone'. The birds of prey are on the hunt. The Big Horn sheep are wintering in the Lower Canyon after a long and arduous rutting season. The most patient fisher of all, the Blue Heron, is present daily. Small herds of elk find refuge near the river bottom especially from Ellensburg upstream. Rarely is the river crowded; In fact, never.
WINTER STEELHEAD FISHING - 12/10/14
Winter steelhead fishing for early hatchery fish was worthy this past few days with some of the rivers dropping into shape. Based on the forecast...many will be out for a period of time but this push of water we are receiving should bring LOTS of fish in. If the summer run counts of 2014 are any indication of what the upcoming winter numbers will be, we should be in for some good opportunity.
Line - Ultra Spey / With 15 feet of intermediate and 7 feet of T-8
Rod - T & T 12' 9" 8 Weight DNA
Fly - Small Pink and Chartreuse Intruder
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| One of the fish hooked yesterday - Photo by Brian Chou |
Line - Ultra Spey / With 15 feet of intermediate and 7 feet of T-8
Rod - T & T 12' 9" 8 Weight DNA
Fly - Small Pink and Chartreuse Intruder
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT - 12/10/14
This is perfect winter fishing weather on the Yakima. The fishing has been good to great depending on the day. Streamers on the retrieve and swing has definitely been worthy. In addition the nymphing has been consistent.
Nymphs of choice
#8-12 Stonefly Nymphs - Pats Stone, 'Skwala Like'
#10-12 San Juan Worms in various colors
#14-18 Prince Nymphs and PT's
#18-22 Zebra Midges
There have been some fish eating on the surface in isolated zones. These fish can be duped by 10-14 foot leaders and #20 Paramidge adults and emergers.
Nymphs of choice
#8-12 Stonefly Nymphs - Pats Stone, 'Skwala Like'
#10-12 San Juan Worms in various colors
#14-18 Prince Nymphs and PT's
#18-22 Zebra Midges
There have been some fish eating on the surface in isolated zones. These fish can be duped by 10-14 foot leaders and #20 Paramidge adults and emergers.
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT 11/29/14
The river is BIG and Brown with one day left in the season; manana. There won't be any fishing for us.
It was great year with good numbers of happy steelhead. A good mix of hatchery bonkers and wild fish, with some large steelies as well.
Remember next year and early fishing in June. Low pressure, and steelies in the river :)
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT
A little rough lately on all watersheds including the Yakima. The river above the Teanaway confluence is the place to be currently, if anywhere. The river should be in good shape soon with the projected upcoming weather pattern....
The water should stabilize soon and drop and clear based on weather predictions.
Bugs of choice -
Streamers, Streamers and Streamers
Stonefly Nymphs
San Juan Worms
The water should stabilize soon and drop and clear based on weather predictions.
Bugs of choice -
Streamers, Streamers and Streamers
Stonefly Nymphs
San Juan Worms
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT 11/26/14
We saw 63 degrees yesterday on the Klickitat river....Wow! Completely opposite of 10 days prior. The river is WAY out of shape currently.
Prior to the blow out yesterday I would call the fishing Swingtastic and Nymphoric - Pardon the rhetoric.
Hopefully we will see conditions good enough to fish again prior to the closure.
Prior to the blow out yesterday I would call the fishing Swingtastic and Nymphoric - Pardon the rhetoric.
Hopefully we will see conditions good enough to fish again prior to the closure.
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| Brandon Bischof with a wild Klick Hen |
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| Just fishing |
WINTER STEELHEAD - 11/17/14
We are getting ready for our upcoming Winter Steelhead season. We have an array of options and they are listed below...
1) Nov/Dec; Hatchery fish with a few wild ones mixed in - Columbia River Delta Tributaries
2) Jan/Feb; Hatchery and Wild Fish South OP
3) Feb/March; Lower Q and Q Swing only program - Private Water
4) Feb-April; South and Middle OP Watersheds for Wild Steelhead
Diverse in options....Let us know and we will get you on the water!
1) Nov/Dec; Hatchery fish with a few wild ones mixed in - Columbia River Delta Tributaries
2) Jan/Feb; Hatchery and Wild Fish South OP
3) Feb/March; Lower Q and Q Swing only program - Private Water
4) Feb-April; South and Middle OP Watersheds for Wild Steelhead
Diverse in options....Let us know and we will get you on the water!
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT - 11/16/14
The cooling water temps have definitely slowed most bug activity. We will see Midge, light Baetis and small winter stone activity throughout the Winter, but for the most part, the fall hatches have gone by the wayside for 2014.
Re: Fall Hatches - What happened to our strong Baetis , Mahogany Duns and Cahills of the Fall?
The Yakima continues to hold its own and the trout population according to WDFW are reasonably stable. But what has happened to our Mayfly hatches......In the late 80's and 90's the Mayfly hatches were far more prolific? Also, what has happened to our Whitefish population? Certainly has decreased since the late 80's. Many will complain about Whitefish, but the whitefish is a good indicator of a healthy Western stream.
Back to the report - Bugs of the week include:
#10 Black and Brown Pats Stone
#4 Zuddler
#18-20 Red or Blue Brassie
Dry fly fishing from this point in time will be limited to targeting rising fish. Searching with a dry fly will be reasonably futile.
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| Zuddler |
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT - 11/16/14
The fishing has been remarkably good through this cold snap..... with the nymph. The swing fishing has been tough.
We have been on most stretches of the river..... Again, considering the cold weather, pretty darn good fishing. Mr Weather shows a warming trend coming our way Wednesday - :))
Shown here are the nymphs of choice....
We have been on most stretches of the river..... Again, considering the cold weather, pretty darn good fishing. Mr Weather shows a warming trend coming our way Wednesday - :))
Shown here are the nymphs of choice....
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT - 11/10/14
The fishing has been great on both the swing and nymph....Quite good, in fact. We do have a cold spell coming, most likely slow things down a bit....
~2.jpg) |
| Jack and Steelie Mike |
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT - 11/10/14
The Yakima continues to fish well....Streamers and nymphing lead the way!
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT - 11/8/14
The river is a bit higher than normal after this past couple weeks of unusually warm and wet weather. However, with the cooling temps, the river is in good shape...and fishing great with the swung fly and the nymph.
Honorable mentions this past week;
1- Jeff and Tom's Triple!
2- Super Flat 1
Tip of the week - They are lower than you think.
We have some openings from the 16th-20th - Call 509.859.2280
Honorable mentions this past week;
1- Jeff and Tom's Triple!
2- Super Flat 1
Tip of the week - They are lower than you think.
We have some openings from the 16th-20th - Call 509.859.2280
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| Tom |
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| Jeff |
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT 10/31/31
Starting Nov 1st our winter rates will be in effect - 275$ plus tax for 2 anglers! Fishing remains solid on the Yakima...See last report for particulars.
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| Recent guest John Manthey sent this image our way! |
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT - 10/30/14
Currently 6 inches of visibility; It appears we will be back in shape somewhere around the Sunday mark. The big rains are supposed to stop after Friday!
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT - 10/26/14
The fall fishing on the Yakima has been great! Less pressure from anglers, and cloudier skies are making for some fantastic opportunities. October Caddis are active and many have been spotted in the in the Farmlands and further up river lately. Small BWO and Cahills #18 having been popping in the Lower Canyon. Blue Wing hatches have been heavy on cloudy days with intermittent showers. There have been some larger mayflies here and there, #16 in size... 'Mahogany Duns'. On clear days the fishing heats up in late mornings and tapers off in late afternoon. The falling barometer lately has been good lately producing good to great mayflies.
Fish can be caught on top of course, when the fish are rising. Searching with dry flies has been ok at best. The dry fly game has been best when matching the hatch and the fish are up.
Nymphing has been steady to great with a myriad of patterns but typically the #18 variety with Blue Wing Olive 'look alikes' being some of the best.
Streamer fishing has been average to good, but watch for this to be 'more goooood' as the bugs dwindle in late November.
Fish can be caught on top of course, when the fish are rising. Searching with dry flies has been ok at best. The dry fly game has been best when matching the hatch and the fish are up.
Nymphing has been steady to great with a myriad of patterns but typically the #18 variety with Blue Wing Olive 'look alikes' being some of the best.
Streamer fishing has been average to good, but watch for this to be 'more goooood' as the bugs dwindle in late November.
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| 'Expired Sculpin' |
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT - 10/25/14
10:30 AM
The river has dropped quite a bit but we still have only 6 inches of clarity at this time.....Will keep you updated.
The river has dropped quite a bit but we still have only 6 inches of clarity at this time.....Will keep you updated.
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT - 10/23/14
We are back to zero visibility but the river is on the drop again. She bumped up to 1400 this time....Predictions show the river back down to 850 by late manana tardes;
Will keep you posted.
Will keep you posted.
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT - 10/21/14
The Klickitat's clarity is surprisingly good - 2.5 feet! So much for my prediction. We should not have cancelled our guests as the fishing was worthy.
Swung a trifecta grand slam yesterday... in accordance with the George Thorogood classic hit in the 70's --- Instead of one buorbon, one scotch and one beer; It was one 14 pound bright king, one clean 10 pound coho and one 8 pound hen steel,.
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT - 10/18/14
The river clarity went by the wayside today due to quite a bit of rain and the recent snow melting on the mountain. We predict it to be back in shape about Wednesday - Will keep you updated.
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT - 10/14/14
Fishing remains solid and predictable on the Yakima right now. Small Mayfly nymphs in the 16-20 size range and some dry fly fishing mid and upriver makes up the game...
Best time to be on the water lately - 11AM to 4PM
Recent honorable mention
Best time to be on the water lately - 11AM to 4PM
Recent honorable mention
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| WD-40 in Olive |
UPPER COLUMBIA REPORT - 10/12/14
Great year on the UC - The below picture says it all. While the fishing still remains worthy, we have tightened up the hatches on Black Bear lodge. For those interested in the 2015 season....We are now scheduling for prime times;
The first being March 24-April 7!
The first being March 24-April 7!
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT - 10/12/14
The river is lower than normal for this time of year. Currently the flows at Pitt are 668 - usually at 725. While that doesn't seem like a big difference, it is noticeable on a high gradient river. It appears that there are not near the amount of salmon as predicted. The pressure, although heavy, has lightened a bit recently. The overall weather has been awesome with warmer than normal air temps.
The swing and nymph have both been producing. Recently have seen a few magical afternoons with the swung fly. Below are a few pictures of Rick on his second trip with the two hander.
Honorable mentions lately;
Purple Super Muddler
The Vision Cult 7134
Rage Compact 450
10 feet of T-8
KLICKITAT REPORT - 10/6/14
Continuing to fish good with both the swung fly and nymph. To catch fish on the swing you must put your time in. Just because you swing one run without a fish doesn't mean that the swinging is not good. Regardless, both dry line and tips have been worthy when fished. The entire river is fishing....From top to bottom. Lots of pressure on the watershed - The most I have ever seen.
Of course, the egg pattern has been effective for the nymph.
Of course, the egg pattern has been effective for the nymph.
YAKIMA REPORT - 10/6/14
Unseasonably warm temperatures recently have added to all bug activity....Fishing has been good from Easton to Roza. Every day is different but the dry fly fishing has been reasonable at certain times of the day and the adult Crane fly has been this late summer and early fall honorable mention.
Watch for small bugs to be of more importance over the next 3o days as air-temps should drop and fall mayflies become more prevalent.
Watch for small bugs to be of more importance over the next 3o days as air-temps should drop and fall mayflies become more prevalent.
UPPER COLUMBIA REPORT -9/29/14
Fishing remains solid. The dry fly remains the winning tactic. The photos below are of Bill Smith - 85 years young and a lifelong fisherman. He landed the biggest rainbow of his life yesterday on a dry - 25 inches!
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| Lifelong angler - Bill Smith |
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| Awesome buck on a dry fly |
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT - 9/28/14
The river has been great from top to bottom. Food choices include
1) #10-12 Craneflies2) #16-18 Little Yellow Mays
3) #10 October Caddis
4) #18-22 Baetis
5) #16 tan Caddis
6) Salmon Eggs/Spawn
The Upper Proper and The Upper Flatlands are sporting the majority of the Salmon spawn. The Farmlands would most likely win the cake when it comes to the Cranefly activity, yet there are Cranefly throughout the system.
Lot's of Little Yellow May's in the 16-18 size.....
Nymphing, Wet fly swing, Streamers and Dry fly tactics have all been worthy. Get out and fish!
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| Little Yellow May |
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| Lower Canyon Sunset |
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| Upper Flatlands Fishing |
KLICKITAT REPORT - 9/28/14
Multiple tactics are worthy for duping the steelhead.
Favorite sink tip this year has been 10 feet of T-8. Favorite swung fly recently has been the Black and Blue Searcher by Jeff Cottrell.
Favority Nymph - The Bead
.JPG) |
| The Searcher |
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT - 9/26/14
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| Healthy fall trout |
More later on the Yakima ....
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT - 9/25/14
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| Clarity on Sept 23 - MM 4 @ 6PM |
This picture shows the clarity of the river within the last 36 hours. The clarity is actually worse today. However, we are most likely on the upswing ....
Hopefully by Saturday we will be good to go!
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT 9/21/14
Definitely plenty of fish in the system....as the Nymph and the Swing have been good to great lately.
Will keep you updated.
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT 9/21/14
#10 Cranefly
#16 Purple Haze
#8 BH October Caddis
#10 CDC Pricne beadhea
#16 BH Deep Six Caddis
#16 Tungsten Readay Baetis
Honborable mention....
'The Bead' in select zones....especially up river!
The adult Crane Fly
The entire river has been fishing good to great from head to toe and it is ultra low as are most western streams currently. A variety of tactics are needed depending the day and the stretch of river.
As listed above, The winner for the dry fly is a #10 Crane fly. The best nymph in the upper river undoubtedly is the egg pattern behind the salmon. The best nymph for us in the middle and lower stretches has been the #16 BH Deep Six Caddis. A well place streamer in the upper river, especially an Eggsucker.....has been WORTHY.
Get out and catch one! - Grass roots on the Yakima SINCE 1988
Upper Columbia Report - 9/18/14
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| October Caddis |
Average fishing some days, great fishing on others. October Caddis are here! 15 feet of visibility - WOW!
Long leaders and immaculate presentation (not conception) make for challenging but good days.
What is hatching...
October Caddis #8
Midges #22
Baetis #18
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| John with a noooicccee buck |
KLICKITAT RIVER REPORT - 9/18/14
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| Nooiicce wild native! |
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| Hatch dog for some fish chicks |
We have seen average to great fishing since the last report MULTIPLE tactics are worthy; from the nymph to the swung fly with a dry line and sink tip as well. Pick your favorite technique and get'r done. The water has been LOW and CLEAR until today when the river bumbed up a bit - 60CFS - and changed color to Steelhead 'Grey Green'. Clarity change was most likely due to some rain and wind on the mountain. No worries......River is in great shape.
We have seen some incredible fishing lately with mutiple tactics...as listed above. We have also seen some incredible pressure on the river as well. With the Methow river in poor shape for Summer run potential.....There have been a good number of other anglers and guides on the river. In addition, the amount of Salmon anglers has added to the pressure.
The Chinook have not 'inundated' the system yet. There have been fish entering; definitely quite a few in the past 24 hours with the bump.
Highlight of the past week.....One fish eating the skated fly 3 times!
UPPER COLUMBIA / KETTLE REPORT - 9/10/14
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| Columbia Highlands Redband - 9/9/14 |
The Fall continues to progress in the Northeastern corner of Washington - AKA 'The Columbia Highlands' or also could be known as the foothills of the Kootenay Mountains.
Best Bugs this past week....
#12 Tan Morrish Hopper
#10 Cranefly
#8 Olive Sculpzilla
Typically this time of year means low and clear waters and it certainly isn't any different this year with the rivers actually being lower and clearer than usual. Pray for overall cooler weather as low and clear water warms and cools with the prevalent weather.
Overall tactics in the low and clear water calls for LONG leaders and a variety of terrestrials. A well presented streamer here and there has also proven to be worthy.
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| Dale Depreist 'AKA 'Big Daddy' |
#12 Tan Morrish Hopper
#10 Cranefly
#8 Olive Sculpzilla
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT - 9/10/14
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| October Caddis |
The fishing on the Yakima river has been great this week... That is, when shade of any kind is on the water. Mornings and evenings have yielded spectacular fishing, with nearly perfect weather! River flows are low, 1300 cfs at Umtanum, making for slightly warm mid day water temps. However, fish are lying in deeper water, foamlines, and focusing dryflies on shady banks will produce topwater takes. Fishing sub surface with Salt & Pepper Pat's Stones #10, Prince nymphs #16, #18 Red Copper John, #16 W-D40 (Blue Wing Olive) can be productive when trout are laying low. Smaller Hoppers, #10 and #12 flying ants, or a Tu Pac Stones, Caddis Patterns, are all effective flies this week. Crane Flies are the fly of choice this week, fished by skating and bringing life to the fly will get the attention of some big opportunistic Rainbows, just waiting for a meal. Hatches include: Crane Flies, Small Baetis and Caddis (#16, #18), with big October Caddis on the way... We have spotted a few on the river banks in the last few days.
YAKIMA RIVER REPORT- 9/8/14
Hatches include...
#16 Tan Caddis
#10 Crane flies
#8-14 Hoppers
#12-18 Ants and Beetles
#14-16 Yellow Mays
Don't fall into casting at the bank.....While there are fish on select banks, the water is quite low and many of our fish are being fooled in the middle of the river.
The beautiful fish in this post ate a dry fly, nowhere near a bank! Pattern of the week shown below...
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| Crane fly pattern |
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