JANUARY

Its the start of a new year and a new fly fishing season in the Yakima River Valley.  Its a guarantee that for some time now, the river banks and low lying hillsides have been blanketed in several inches of insulating snow pack. Its a virtual winter wonderland in the Kittitas Valley and the residents of Ellensburg and the surrounding rural communities are enjoying several outdoor recreational activities, one of which is fly fishing on the Yakima River.  Crazy you say, we just may be, but for the local residents living in the Central Basin of Washington State, opportunities abound for the adventurous angler any time of the year.

This is the coldest month of the season just about everywhere in the Western hemisphere.  Conditions throughout the Yakima River Valley during the month of January will remain fairly consistent.  Cold areas, blanketed by thick fog banks are typical this time of year.  The mighty Columbia River is less then thirty miles distance, so during periods of the month, moisture rising from this large body of water will create dense areas of fog that will settle in between the low lying hills of the Ellensburg Valley.

Aquatic insects hatches this month are kept to a bare minimum and aren't hard to figure out.  Midges, midges and more midges are the mainstay of  emerging aquatics that will occur during the afternoons.  The slow moving pools and tail outs of the river are where you will the majority of this winter activity happening.  Throughout periods of the day, trout of all sizes will key in on this tiny minuscule of an insect and feed at opportune times.  Its hard to believe that such a small insect would key the attentions of a large size trout, however when thousands of the larva and adult midges are available, this belly feeding event will occur.  A patient fly fishermen can most times with the correct pattern and size dupe many of these feeding opportunists.  Emerger style or small larva patterns fish in these areas will also provide results.

The Skwalla Stonefly migration will intensify this month as well as thousands of stonefly nymphs creep along the bottom of the Yakima.  These early spring stoneflies are making their yearly exodus in preparation for the February adult emergence.  The trout as well as many of the other fish species of the Yakima are feeding veraciously on these plentiful stonefly nymphs.  During this time you may be amazed at the places you find these feeding fish.

River conditions will vary this month and are strictly dictated by weather conditions.  If the winter climate operates within normal perimeters, water conditions will remain consistent.  If temperatures drop well below the freezing level, slush ice will form in the river creating harsh icy fishing conditions.  For those that have discovered Yakima River winter fishing and prefer the benefit of an un deserted, quiet river this time of year, visit our river journal page for the latest in Yakima River fishing conditions.  You are also welcome to visit the pro shop in Ellensburg or give the Worley Bugger crew a call for the latest fishing report.

FEBRUARY

February has arrived and the landscape in the Yakima River Valley is beginning to look much different now.  The cold, foggy days of January are shades of the past and a much warmer climate is on the horizon.  The low lying snow, especially accumulations that have collected in the Rodeo City over the winter are quickly dissolving under the warm afternoon sunshine.  Even the low lying snow around the hillsides of the river is beginning to disappear.  The snow capped peaks of the Cascade Mountain Range tower over the Kittitas Valley, creating a spectacular picturesque back drop.  The water reserves for the upcoming year have frozen high atop these massive, rugged peaks.  A standing monument to Mother Nature and millions of years of evolution.  This month, the average daily temperature will skyrocket almost fifteen degrees from what we experienced in January.  Fifteen degrees may not seem like much, but for this time of year it is mammoth.

The majority of the month's fishing will still consistent of subsurface fishing techniques. An emergence of Midges will still occur and at times during the month, clusters or balls of these tiny insects will form.  This can be fun, exciting dry fly fishing as trout slurp orgies of these insects off the waters surface.  Due to lower water flows, a combination of trout species, Rocky Mountain Whitefish and Mountain Suckers will all congregate in the pools of the Yakima throughout the month.  Whitefish are usually found in the tops of the runs and riffles, where the faster moving water flows over medium to large size boulders.  Trout generally take up a holding position in the slow portions of a river.  Learning to read water for specific times of the year is key to any fishermen's successes.

As the month progresses and the air temperatures begin to warm, Skwalla Stonefly adults will become present in areas of the Yakima.  Generally you can presume around the 3rd week of February tell tale signs of adult activity are apparent. Foraging on Midge Larva, baitfish, cased caddis larva and sculpins becomes less of a necessity as this predominate stonefly species makes it's initial appearance on the Yakima

The migration of Skwalla stones is much like the exodus of other stonefly genus.  The sub-aquatic nymphs move along the bottom of the river, migrating towards the shoreline.  Here, they become highly vulnerable as fast, erratic currents wash them into the feeding lies of hungry, suspecting trout.

Do not neglect the shallow edges of the river.  Trout key in very quickly to the presence of this new found food source and wait along the edges of the shallows to feed on these vulnerable insects trying to escape to the banks of the river.

Blue Wing Olive Mayflies will also become an intricate portion of the trout's diet during the last days of this month.  The clinging nymphs will be an important part of your fishing strategies with the adult duns and emegers taking precedence during the early hours of the afternoon.  The Yakima's spring Baetis are generally a size #16, however at times the river can produce a larger size mayfly.  Make sure you cover your bases with sizes #14 to an #18 for spring fishing.   Cripple and emerger patterns should decorate the compartments of your fly box as well.  These patterns should be an intricate part of your spring fishing arsenal.

MARCH

Spring fly fishing is officially ushered in during the month of March in the Yakima River Valley.  If you aren't fishing this fabulous Central Washington trout stream during the month of March, you could possibly be missing some of the best fishing of the spring.  Water flows characteristically remain low and the trout maintain their winter holding lies.  However, water temperatures are on the rise and so are the trout's feeding metabolism. 

During the first week of March, the Skwalla Stonefly adults will begin forming in larger numbers along the river banks of the river.  The Yakima rainbows are attentive and eagerly anticipate their opportunity to gorge themselves on this large size spring morsel.  Because this stonefly is an pre-spring/post winter insect, it's movements are very limited while it remains suspended on the water.  The majority of the day a dead drift of your Skwalla pattern is essential.  Small twitches may invoke a strike, but for the most part a drag free drift will be required of you.

Concentrate your Skwalla imitations around the grassy banks and slower pools of the river.  Don't hesitate to work the shallow edges as well.  Trout have been consuming nymphs now for several months and are aware of their presence.  They quickly mount their attack as the formation of the adults begins.  Holding in low water, where camouflage and cover from the river is available is standard practice for an opportunistic rainbow.  Many fly fishermen feel the Stimulator or a big bushy pattern heavily hackled is a good choice when selecting a fly to imitate the Skwalla Stonefly.  In my opinion, this fly really doesn't perform well in lower water spring situations.  Much to bushy to productively duplicate this natural insect in shallow water conditions.  Select a pattern that rides flat in the water and projects a natural silhouette.  Flies like the Stimulator that are heavily hackled are great summer time, fast water pattern.

The emergence of mayflies will appear over the water's of the Yakima during your day of fishing. You can count on the spring Blue Wing Olive to begin its afternoon emergence around 1:00 p.m. daily and lasting well into the latter portions of the day.  Your favorite mayfly pattern in size #16 will duplicate the natural.  The guide team of Worley Bugger prefer to fish slim, low profile flies that represent the natural insect.  The Lawson's No Hackle, Floating Nymph, Brewers Butthead Sparkle Dun or Suspended Cripples are all excellent patterns to match the hatch.

The March Brown Mayfly will also begin its yearly emergence cycle on the Yakima during the month of March, commencing in the latter days of the month.  A size 14 March Brown pattern will be effective during the hatch.  The nymphs are a healthy part of the trout's diet throughout the month of March and are usually overlooked as an important food item by fly fishermen.  Vast numbers of these sub aquatic insects have already been congregating during the early spring months, so fishing a imitation to match the natural will be effective throughout most of the main stem of the Yakima.

APRIL

The month of April will generally produces some of the best fly fishing you can experience on the Yakima.  However, this can be an unstable time during the spring.  Water and air temperatures are rising and the spring thaw can and will begin sometime during the month of April. The renowned emergence of the spring mayfly, the March Brown starts to occur.  Water conditions, temperature and specific sections of the river will determine the density of this spectacular mayfly emergence.  This mayfly will appear on all areas of the river, however some sections of the Yakima produce a far greater concentration of mayflies on a day to day basis.  This is primarily due to cleaner, less silt ridden water conditions.  Mayflies, unlike Caddisflies require a cleaner environment to thrive.  You will find these productive waters above the "Yakima River Canyon"

Once a steady cycle of these size #12 to #14 Mayflies begins, their daily appearance will initiate the same time each day throughout the entire month of April.  During this month, we will also see prolific hatches of Blue Wings as well as the Swalla Stoneflies.  Baetis hatches will appear by mid-morning and will continue throughout the day.  Both mayfly species will mix, form and congregate in the foam lines of the river.  Generally, trout will feed upon the larger of the two insects, however this rule doesn't always apply.

A keen eye on your part will have to make the determination.  Once you have established and concluded the feeding intent of the Yakima Rainbows, adjusting your pattern selection and present your imitation accordingly. As water and air temperatures steadily begin to rise during the month, Caddis will make their initial appearance over the waters of this Central Washington river.  Conceivably several varieties and sizes of Caddis may begin appearing.  Sometime during the month, large Sedge Caddis and small Grannom Caddis will make their presence known.  Fishing and observations and become quite interesting as several species of aquatic insects have now become available to foraging fish.  Your skills as a fly fishermen will be called upon to make this selective determination.

MAY

During the month of May, an avid Yakima River fly fishermen can expect to see the arrival of several new and exciting aquatic insect emergences.  Along with this addition of new aquatics, you will also encounter the previous months insects as well. The river will continue to produce the afternoon mayfly emergences of March Browns and Blue Wing Olives.  River flows and conditions depend entirely on the winters snow pack accumulations.  On an average, the river would be operating at levels between 2000 cfs (cubic feet per second) and 2800 cfs.  If this is the case, the lower portions of the Yakima will be difficult for bank fishermen.  When the river reaches these levels, the Yakima takes on a whole new look.  This is a big western river now, so fly fishing the Yakima River from a safe, comfortable drift boat is one best option for a productive day of fishing.

In May, the March Brown has become a consistent afternoon hatch, however sections of the river will produce a heavier concentration of this mayfly on a regular basis.  Areas above the Yakima Canyon tend to generate a more consistent day to day emergence during the month of May.  Most years we will continue to see the March Brown hatch last into the month of June through sections of the Upper Yakima River. The Baetis (B.W.O.) Mayflies will also be a constant distraction to the Yakima rainbows during this time, especially on the cool, cloudy days of the month.

In May, the granddaddy of all stoneflies will make their appearance on the Yakima.   Expect to see these gigantic, bird like creatures flying from bank to bank. The Salmon Fly emergence begins as the out migration of Pteronarcys nymphs make preparations to leave the river for the cover of the streamside vegetation.  During this Stonefly exodus, the Yakima rainbows attentions will turn to this overly large aquatic insect as they hobble along the river rock bottom.  The trout gorge and fill their bellies with these 3" (inch) large, prehistoric looking stonefly nymphs.

The attentions of trout will soon turn as the female of its species begin their egg laying ritual. Their return to the river is an aggressive, violent act to encounter, but one that plays out over several western rivers during the late spring.  The female, once ripe with eggs will flail her body haplessly on the rivers surface, creating commotion and mayhem in hopes of dislodging her dark egg sac.  When this occurs, fishing big,dry fly patterns will provoke some of the rivers largest rainbows to the surface. 

This hatch of these stoneflies will occur in just about every area of the Yakima, however concentrations through the upper and lower farmlands as well as the Upper headwaters of the river produce far greater populations then the Lower Yakima River Canyon. As we prepare to honor the mother's of America, hordes of Caddis will intensify across the Yakima.  By Mother's Day rest assured, thick intense blooms of caddis flies are hatching across the waters of this fabulous Central Washington trout stream and many other western rivers.  A blizzard of Caddisflies, so thick, so profuse that at times you may even be digesting a few yourself. 

From the head water portions of the upper river to sections deep into the Lower Yakima River Canyon, olive and brown Grannom Caddis will be emerging.  The stage is now set for a series of recurring caddis hatches, lasting well into the bountiful days of Autumn.  Be prepared to encounter several varieties, colors and sizes of caddis over the next several months.  Mornings, afternoons and the late evenings will all produce an emergence of some sort. A variety of caddis adults, caddis pupa and caddis larva at this point should be well stocked in your munitions of flies.

If this isn't enough insect activity to distract a fly fishermen as well as the trout, the Pale Morning Dun Mayfly will also begin appearing during the afternoons in the month of May.  This mayfly usually begins it's emergence sometime during the middle of the month and will show up on the water's surface in the latter portion of the afternoon.  A cripple imitation in size 16 is a consistent producer.

JUNE

As the month of June arrives you can expect to experience high water flows throughout the main stem of the Yakima River.  This is the beginning of the summer irrigation season and river volumes are increased to meet water requirements for farmers and ranchers in the Kittitas and Yakima County Valley's.  The Yakima will swell from bank to bank and wading fishermen  who walk the river with ease throughout the spring months will find the task now near impossible.

During this period of high water, insect hatches may become stagnant until the river stabilizes and returns to a consistent flow.  Once a stable flow is established, usually in a weeks period of time, expect to see a continuing blizzard of Caddis throughout the Yakima system.  Emerger and pupa imitations will be productive during periods of extreme Caddis activity.  Adult patterns skated and twitched on the surface in the evening hours becomes a nightly ritual.

In June, the Pale Morning Dun is our predominate summer time mayfly on the Yakima and afternoon cycles of this brilliant bodied insect take place throughout the river.  Even in the high heat of June, the PMD dun will hatch in the early afternoons with the spinner becoming important in the later portions of the day.  A size #16 is dead on match to imitate the adult dun.  Fish emergers, cripples in the same size, while selecting a bit bigger size #14 to cover your bases here when matching the natural subsurface food form.  Expect to encounter hatches of the Pale Morning Dun well into the dog days of August.  A close relative of the PMD, the Pale Evening Dun will also occur during the same month.  This bigger of the two mayflies will emerge during the same period.  Be on the lookout for its appearances as well.

During the month of June, the fly fishermen of the Yakima will begin to see the first signs of a Golden Stonefly hatch.  This large Stonefly will emerge throughout the entire "catch & release" system of the Yakima, however a large population of these stones do reside in the lower reaches of the river.

The sections of the upper Cle Elum can experience intense hatches of these gold colored stoneflies during the latter part of the month. This golden colored stonefly is a much different creature than it's previous months predecessor, the Salmon Fly, which hatches on the Yakima during the month of May.

The emergent behavior of this large aquatic insect is like no other found in the stonefly world.  This nymph does not crawl along the bottom of the river and emerge at night along the river banks, shedding an exoskeleton to form a winged adult.  Rather, it emerges during the heat of the day, breaking the surface tension of the water much like a oversized Caddis or Mayfly.  It desperately attempts to take flight so, just imagine the havoc they instill will doing so.  Don't be surprised if you don't see trout eating them on the surface.  Their a big, easy target just before emergence below the surface film.

A good indication that the Golden Stoneflies are present.  Watch the slow moving pools and foam lines of the river.  When stonefly shucks or skeletal remains are present floating in the surface film you will know Golden Stoneflies are a big part of the food chain. In June, the Yakima can produce a random emergence of both Brown and Green Drake species.  However, it occurs in only a couple of sections of the river (mostly the upper and farmlands areas of the Yakima) and can be spotty and sporadic. 

 Areas of the lower Yakima River with cleaner water conditions will produce fair to consistent hatches of Brown Drakes.  The clinging Green Drake nymph is probably the most common to trout, however when the gigantic adult duns are hatching their focus on feeding is quite intent.  This is a hard hatch to predict from month to month, year to year on the Yakima.  I have encountered more and more of the Green Drake species hatching in the Farmlands areas over the past several years.  What do we contribute this to.   High water flows during peak cycle times for this aquatic insect is most likely the reason along with its natural drift cycle as well.  If you do happen upon it during the month of June it will provide a short window of fun and exciting dry fly fishing.

JULY

July is an important month on the Yakima and with it terrestrial fishing is thrust into the spotlight as several varieties of interesting little creatures become food forms for the Yakima River Rainbows.  In the month of July you can expect to see much better water conditions, however the river will be high, swollen from bank to bank and running at peak summer flow.  While other western rivers are dropping in water volume, the Yakima is just the opposite.  This means access to the prime water can be limited to those fishing without drift boats.  Vegetation along the banks is also starting to thicken under the warm Kittitas Valley sunshine.  Along these river banks where this foliage is thickest, you will find a variety of aquatic and terrestrial life forms nesting during periods of the day.

The Caddis will carry on throughout the month as nightly hatches provide feeding opportunities for the Yakima rainbows.  The Golden Stone activity will begin to diminish during the first parts of the month. July is prime time for terrestrial activity to increase on the Yakima.  Grasshoppers, ants, beetles making their home along the lush banks of the Yakima and become an important food source over the course of the summer.  Concentrate your imitations along these grassy ledges of the river.  By July, these critters have become a staple in the trout's daily diet and they recognize their color and profile stranded in the surface film.

The Pale Morning Dun Mayfly is will continue to hatch during the mid-afternoon throughout the main stem of the Yakima during the month of July as well.  The little Yellow Sallie Stonefly becomes an complex part of the trout's diet during the month of July.  Daily appearances of these small, yellow bodied stoneflies hatch throughout the river, however specific sections of the Yakima maintain much denser colonies then others.  The upper portions of the Yakima River for one is an area well known for its Yellow Sallie populous.  The Farmlands area of the Yakima, both upper and lower is another area of the river where dense populations of this tiny summer stonefly reside. 

The Lower Yakima Canyon, south of Ellensburg is not notorious for an encounter of this stonefly, however I have seen fair to somewhat heavy activity at times through portions of the upper canyon.  Its good to be prepared for them anywhere this time of year.

AUGUST

During the month of August you can expect to encounter a variety of circumstances unfolding on the Yakima.  Water flows will continue to run at optimum levels to meet the water demands for ranchers, farmers and orchard growers during the peak of the growing season.  With these hot days, terrestrial life forms will become an important part of the Yakima rainbows dietary consumption.  Thick, lustrous vegetation this time of year grows along the banks of the Yakima.  Here aquatic and non aquatic creatures of every kind reside in the thick grasses.  During the afternoon, a Kittitas Valley summer breeze can arise.  Here, insects of every kind cling to the river bank vegetation and become vulnerable as warm, August winds blow through the thick shards of grass.  Throughout the day, these summer time food forms are helplessly blown on to the waters surface.  Fishing your favorite terrestrial pattern or attractor pattern along these green, grassy banks will provide plenty of fast and furious dry fly action.

August is also a transitional period on the Yakima River.  Insect emergences of the early summer like P.M.D. Mayflies, Yellow Sallies, and several varieties of Caddis will all begin to dissipate as the month progresses.  Sporadic Caddis hatches will still appear in areas of the river at dusk, however they can be sporadic and never a guarantee from day to day like the previous summer months.

As the month progress, an important element begins to occur.  The Fall Caddis, October Caddis or Halloween Caddis which they are commonly referred by will begin their pupation cycle. They begin this metamorphosis by closing the end of their tube shaped casing (left) in preparation for a September, October and early November emergence.  These monster egg laying adult Caddis-flies, typically bright orange in color, attract the attentions of the Yakima rainbow during the months of autumn as they violently thrash upon the surface of the water.  Their emergence from shuck to the rivers surface also creates a quite a commotion that draws the trout's interest.  Swinging wet flies or soft hackles can be deadly productive during this time.

As the month nears the end of its days, water flows on the river will begin to drop off, decreasing slightly each day. These demands can fluctuate depending on irrigation needs, weather and the cutting schedule.  As water flows drop, the summer stonefly invasion will begin.  The Yakima River "Short-wing Stonefly" nymphs have been amassing along the bank perhaps since the last days of July.  Some areas of the river you will find a thick concentration of nymphs, while others will not host many at all.  Stonefly nymphs will play a vital role over the next several weeks in the food source of the Yakima Rainbows.

SEPTEMBER

As the month of September begins, water flows that swelled along the banks of the Yakima will begin dropping as the annual Kittitas Reclamation District irrigation flip flop is initiated.  River flows that raged high during the summer will steadily drop during the first week of the month.  As this happens several important insect hatches begin on the Yakima. A mass invasion of Short-wing Stoneflies will converge on the banks of the rivers as hordes of male and female stoneflies will take refuge, hiding under rocks, brush and other debris that has collected. 

Perhaps the most consistent and productive dry fly fishing of the year begins during the month of September as the water releases from the main storage reservoirs are drawn back for the season.  As flows recede, a large but delicate insect begins buzzing about the river.  The Cranefly begins its yearly egg laying rituals in the slow currents and pools of the Yakima River.  The attention is in the details and most fly fishermen I speak with even those that have fished the river for years, overlook this important food source, not paying enough importance to this insect.  Cranefly populations are found throughout the river, however specific areas like the farmlands and Upper Yakima River are far better places to find these insects in abundance then in the basalt bottom of the Lower Yakima River Canyon.  The reason being, habitat. 

Understanding an insect population and the river itself is the first steps to learning a river and how its trout populations feed. The green grass and, soggy wet banks of the Yakima River Farmlands is an ideal place to find the largest populations of Cranefly and Cranefly Larvae. During spring run off, high water flows soak the banks and provide excellent habitat for these insects to mature and prosper.  As summer arrives more high water fills the river and banks, soaking the fertile soil of the Kittitas Valley several feet into the river banks, crafting an idyllic home for Cranefly Larvae to prosper..  Over the years increased flooding has occurred in the Yakima River, which in turn has created more habitats for these budding insects.We target this hatch exclusively during this time and find some of the largest fish keyed to this one important food source.

The competition for the annual right of procreation begins as male stoneflies gather at a far greater ratio than their female counterpart. The males, much smaller in size than the female species, attract the attentions of the large female by thumping their abdomens along the ground.  Females respond and the commencement of the mating ritual begins.

Upon fertilization, the egg laying female will begin her return to the waters of the Yakima to deposit the egg sack.  The female short-wing is a monstrosity, measuring in at over 2" inches in length, nearly the size of Pteronarcys (salmon fly) it's earlier hatching cousin that emerges during the month of May on the Yakima.  The male of the species is especially energetic and often times will scurry atop the water very quickly.  Presenting your fly in the same manner will draw the vicious attacks of the resident rainbows.  The female being the larger of the two species creates quite a commotion as well.  The thrashing of her body, depositing the fertile egg sack atop the waters surface will inevitable bring her demise.  Fishing an imitation to match the characteristics of the natural can provide you with plenty of top water action throughout the month of September.

September will also mark the beginning of the Fall Caddis emergence.  Pupation begins during the last days of August and will continue well throughout the magical months of Fall.  Unfortunately, many will never live to complete the life cycle.  The drop in water during the first part of September inevitably strands hundreds, perhaps thousands of this highly important food source along the banks of the river.  Once the period of pupation begins, these giant orange Caddis are sealed inside their cased tombs, unable to move to water.  Sadly, many dry up along the rocks of the Yakima unable to provide nourishment to the wild trout or partake in the reproduction process.

However, the October Caddis that due emerge throughout the main stem of the Yakima will produce days of remarkable and memorable fishing. Emergence times for the giant Caddis are early mornings and dusk.  During the latter parts of Fall you can experience an emergence sporadically throughout the day, which consequently will provide you with great top water action.This is another giant insect that creates spasm like movements on the surface of the water.  The wild rainbows of the Yakima hone their instincts to these seizure like actions.  Forget what the earlier spring months of fly fishing required of you.  No delicate presentation or drag free drift here.  Your abilities to duplicate the natural movements of this insect during it's emergence will be tested.

The month of September will also mark the return of Fall Baetis to the Yakima.  Here, your skills as a proficient fly fishermen can be tested.  A presentation of your imitation, riding drag free will at some point in the afternoon be required.  A total 360° turn will occur during the day, its just a matter of when it will happen.  A Yakima River fly fishermen can experience the thrill of a big Stonefly or Fall Caddis hatch, fishing ungodly hair wing imitation in size 6.  Within a matter of moments, changes can occur and you find yourself in the middle of a tiny Mayfly emergence.  Here, size 18-20 Blue Wing Olive Mayflies will appear breaking the surface tension.  The Yakima Rainbows begin feeding methodically, slurping them from the film around you.  A change from heavy to light tippet along with a presentation that duplicate the natural insect is a prerequisite for successful fishing.  Are you up for the challenge?

September, October and the month of November is a wonderful time to experience Central Washington's, Yakima River.  Changes begin occurring on a daily basis as the scenery along the river becomes a vibrant, eye catching spectacle of Mother Nature. The cottonwood trees and foliage that grew dense during the summer provide an intense back drop of unbelievable beauty.  Pastels adorn the banks of the river in brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. The rainbows are in full feeding mode, bulking for the winter months when insect emergences become limited.  The strong summer flows have receded and a variety of insect hatches occur on a daily basis. You as a fly fishermen can once again stand within the waters of the river and experience the Yakima in its finest hour.

OCTOBER

The month of October to me seems magical.  Spectacular colors that have been absent for a years time return creating a back drop of a inspiring beauty.  This mixture of color, blends simultaneously together to form an spectrum of intensity.  It seems to put you in a different perspective, a different pace,  a consciousness that we are unaware of at other times of the year. The Big Horn Sheep once again return from their summer resting range in the Nachess to winter in the Lower Yakima River Canyon.  Here, winter snows remain fairly light and these awesome creatures stay nourished on the hillside grasses of the canyon throughout the cold months of winter.

For me, the month of October is really what fly fishing is all about, "Change". The Yakima especially takes on a whole new shape and feel.  The character of a river almost free flowing.  Circumstances we haven't encountered in months begin to unfold.  The resident rainbows feed in full mode on a variety of aquatic and non-aquatic insects of all sizes. From the giant October Caddis to the smallest of Blue Wing Olive Mayflies.  You can be assured that your skills as a fly fishermen will be proven throughout the month.

At times it seems one can't do anything wrong.  The tail end of the summer Stonefly will reach it's peak during the first part of the month.  Like other Stonefly hatches this one is no different.  Bigger fish that usually demand a more technical approach seem to lose their inhibitions and feed foolishly.  The rules of presentation seem to bend like a 4 weight fly rod under the strain of a 700 grain sink tip.  Even the most novice of fly fishermen can flail the water and still have success.  As October progresses, the Shortwing's existence for the year will begin to gradually taper off.

In October, a fly fishermen will be confronted with a set of circumstances that most have never faced.  With water conditions low, Chinook Salmon will be breaching the fish latter at Roza Dam.  Huge buck's and hens that have made the arduous journey from the Pacific Ocean return to the Yakima to spawn. These "Kings" of the river will begin abusing their flesh, scouring several feet of the river bed with their massive bodies.  Egg laying females will rest in the shallow, rippling water and begin depositing eggs along the cobblestone bottom.  Males will deposit the sperm and protect the precious eggs from unwanted intruders.  With the river flowing at fall flows there is only enough room for the biggest, strongest of fish.  Here, the trout take a back seat and get pushed into other area's of the river.  Many trout eager for an easy meal take refuge behind the newly formed redds, waiting for the simplest of meals to haplessly roll downstream.  As a fly fishermen be aware of the salmon and avoid disturbing the spawning area.  These are wild fish, endangered by dams, fishermen and politics.

October is also the end of the irrigation season.  Sometime during the middle of the month, local farmers and ranchers will draw back their water consumption until early spring.  Wilson creek that drains from the east slope of the Cascades, then meanders across the beautiful Kittitas Valley will begin to drop.  Water conditions at the confluence of the Yakima and this small tributary will gradually clear.  Flows throughout the canyon section will decrease, due to the lower, unpolluted flows from Wilson Creek.

During the hot months of summer, awkward and excusable presentation will at times be over looked.  Giant insects that emerge during these months are clumsy, uncoordinated creatures.  Aquatic insects that hatch in the fall are delicate, graceful insects with a purpose.  In the fall as water flows drop, a finer line must be observed.  Accurate, delicate, drag free presentations during hatches of Caddis, Blue Wing Olives, Mahogany Duns and Light Cahill must be attained.  Sloppy, lack luster casts will be ignored and most likely spook fish.

With river conditions low and clear, the wild rainbows of the Yakima can feed discriminately at their leisure.  A close observation of your imitation under the careful scrutiny of the rivers resident trout can be closely observed this time of year.  Your ability to match the natural in it's living environment will be prerequisite for a successful day of Yakima River fly fishing.

NOVEMBER

As the month of November begins, the last remaining days of Autumn will dress the Yakima River Valley in the brilliant shades of Fall.  The once lush foliage that grew so thick under the warm summer sunshine will begin to quickly fall away, covering the ground in a golden bed before winter.  The Big Horn Sheep that returned during the month of October from their summer range begin their rite of dominance.  Powerful rams wage horn crushing blow's along the steep, rocky hillsides of the Lower Yakima River Canyon.  Ducks, geese, eagles and other birds line the sky throughout the day heading to winter range lands.

During the month of November the river, it's aquatic insects and the wild rainbows feeding mode will begins to slow.  The trout's metabolism during the first parts of the month will depend entirely on air and water temperatures.  Our November days can still be mild and ideal for casting flies.  Its during this month that things begin to get much more technical, even more so than October.  As the month of November embraces the valley, insect hatches become lighter and the aquatic's become much smaller.  As these insect hatches become less frequent, the trout attentions turn to other prey.  When opportunity presents itself, streamer and bugger fishing can be productive.  The Yakima is home to a large variety of aquatic insects.  It is also perfect habitat for several different species of baitfish, Crayfish and Sculpins.  Focusing streamer imitations through the middle and tail outs of the Yakima's winter runs can provide you with some exciting and fun wet fly fishing.

November is a great month to begin honing your nymph fishing skills as well.  Those that find visual stimulation or boredom with tiny dry fly imitations can dredge the river, bouncing Stonefly, Caddis and Mayfly nymphs along the bottom.  Strike indicators used incorrectly can be big, bulky and cumbersome to cast, but are recommended this time of year when nymph fishing.  The thump that you may feel during the warm months is usually replaced by a softer, more delicate feeding style.  Choose an indicator that will cast well, is easy to see and will stay a top the water as you fish heavily, ticking the bottom of the Yakima.  Foam type indicators work much better than yarn, especially when one is trying to control drag as well as detecting the simplest, supple of strikes.

DECEMBER

By the time the month of December rolls around, the Yakima, it's wild rainbow trout and the aquatic insects that live within it's waters make the transition from late Autumn to winter mode.  Fish slow their metabolism, aquatic insect hatches are limited to sporadic midge occurrences during the warm, sunny days and the river runs low and clear.  Snow in different depths will usually cover the banks of the river as intermittent ice chunks float along the current.

The die hard fly fishermen along with the gritty old school Whitefish fishermen will congregate along the pools of the Yakima throughout the month.  Regulation put in place to protect the wild trout population are still in effect, however bait-fishing is allowed when fishing for Rocky Mountain Whitefish. (?)

Hatches of aquatic insects will be limited to an occasional midge occurrence during the day.  Specific water types will host ideal conditions for match the midge fishing during these times.  Larger trout will forage on existing stonefly, mayfly and caddisfly nymphs that coexist within the Yakima.  Attentions are also directed towards small baitfish, sculpins and crayfish that inhabit the river system.  These can be ideal times to fish patterns that represent these river species.