Yakima river
Hone your skills, match the hatch, and cross wits with wild trout. Join me for flyfishing in a scenic setting for feisty trout. From headwater evergreens, through hay meadows and ranchlands, into its basalt-rimmed canyon, the Yakima flows as a great river of the West.
On the east slope of the Cascades, some sixty miles from of the upper Yakima have been set aside as quality water for catch-and-release fishing. Protected are the Yakima's wild Rainbow and Cutthrout trout. Each season from late spring into fall I anticipate finding these impressive trout and fishing the rich succession of hatches that sustains them. Since 1984, I'm proud to say I guide the Yakima.
Drifting: I guide from a dory or drift boat fitted and rigged bow and stern to fish two flyfishers. I oar the dory and coach you. The fishing is keen and instruction is part of it—from sharing the best knot to hints on better casting and presentation, Put your fly in the "lane" on the "seam". Set up the drift of your dry fly or nymph. Mend. Ready. Set! The season, water condition, section of the river, your inclination and ability, all determine if and where we wade.
Arrangements: We meet mid-morning in Ellensburg, have breakfast together, and fish 'til dark. I provide lunch. For tourist information and lodging suggestions call the Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce, 509.925.2002.
Climate: Draining from the East slope of the Cascades into the Columbia Basin, The Yakima, during the spring and fall, features cool mornings and evenings with daytime highs in the seventies. High summer is hot with the thermometer sometimes reaching a hundred, Rainfall averages thirteen inches annually in Kittitas County.
Tackle and Gear: I recommend a nine foot five weight rod, fitted with a reel that holds fifty yards of backing and a double-taper or weight-forward floating line. A rod's length of tapered leader is proportioned to the fly you choose to fish. Carry: extra tippet (size: 3x, 4x, 5x), a dry fly grease floatant, BB split shot or a lead-free substitute and strike indicators for nymphing.
Waders are a comfort during a cool spring or fall day, but not a necessity. We do most of our fishing from the drift boat. Wear wading shoes and shorts for a hot summer day in the sun. A windbreaker/rain jacket and sweater for spring or fall's evening chill should be carried in you duffle.
Flies: A large, Western, freestone river, the Yakima's character ranges from calm flats to boulder-strewn runs. We fish it from the top to bottom with mayfly, caddis, and stonefly imitations, as well as terrestrials; hoppers , craneflies, and ants. Call or visit Partick's Fly Shop for last minute hatch reports. Patrick's Fly Shop, 2237 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98102. Phone 206.325.8988 or 800.398.7693.
Don't stint on flies. You'll leave some hanging on the shrubbery. Bring a selection of the following Western favorites:
Dry Flies, size #12 to #18: Elk Hair Caddis, Humpy, Wulff, Stimulator, Trude, Parachute
Wet Flies, size #6 to #18: Hairs Ear, Pheasant Tail, Soft Hackle, Stonefly, Woolly Bugger
Seasonal Hatchmakers:
May—June: Light Cayhill #14-#18, March Brown #12, PMD #16, Elk Hair Caddis #12-#16, Stimulator #6-#16
July—August: Grasshopper imitations #6-#12, Caddis (all colors) #10-#18, Stimulators #16-#16
September—October: Grasshopper imitations still work as do October Caddis and Brown Willow Stoneflies. Small Blue Wing Olives, Parachutes, and Griffith's Gnats #16-#20. Still bring a selection of the reccommended Western Favorites, wet and dry.
Laundry List: Fishing license, hat, camera/film, sunscreen, insect repellent, polarized sunglasses with retainer, magnifier. Include the following tools on your vest: nippers, Tie-Fast nail knot tier, forceps, hook hone, and extra tippet. A waterproof duffle bag to carry excess gear and clothing such as a sweater and rain jacket, a water bottle, flask, or thermos. Binoculars and flashlight are optional.
Provisions: I endorse purveyors who know me, trout, and the Yakima. Patrick's Fly Shop, the oldest fly shop on the West Coast, fits the ticket, The staff their can help you with selecting tackle and flies. Call them for mail orders or visit their tackle counter. Patrick's Fly Shop. 2237 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle WA 98102. Phone 206.325.8988 or 800.398.7693. Tell them John sent you.