Eastern Washington Fishing Report 07.12.18
Chewuch River (WA)
The Chewuch River is finally starting to come into shape with the river running at approximately 300 cfs. The Chewuch has both westslope cutthroat and rainbow trout. The average size trout will be right around 12 inches with a fair number above that. Plus, every now and then a nice fat 18 incher will make a surprise appearance. If the river keeps dropping like it is, you should have no problem wading most of the open waters.
Dry flies are the name of the game now. A selection of your favorite surface flies is a must. Some of the normal hatches are coming such as; stone flies, caddis and a mix of mayflies. This is not to say to, don’t bring along your nymph box. We all know that a good nymph will, most of the time, end in good results.
Some of the dry flies that have had good results are the; #12 black, royal or red Hippie Stomper, #16 Royal Wulff, #12 tan or olive Moodah Poodah, #14 TFP Party on Top Caddis and the #14 or #16 Parachute Purple Rooster. For nymphs, I would recommend using a #10 olive or brown Pat's Rubber Legs, a #18 Bead Head Brassie or, a #16 chartreuse Swink' Core Caddis. If you're of a mind, and do like I do, I fish a couple of different streamers too. For example, a #8 olive Sculpzilla Jr and the #6 TFP Polar Minnow are the two streamers I will use most any time I am on the Chewuch River. A good fast 5 or 6-weight rod with floating line will fit the bill. I should note, that the Chewuch river closes on the 15th of August, so now is the time to wet a line there.
Methow River (WA)
The Methow River is currently at 993 cfs and still dropping. From what I've seen myself, and from the reports from other anglers, the Methow is fishing well. Most of the people I have talked to are throwing dries with good success. The hoppers are out and active from 10:00 a.m. until evening. It goes without saying, that other bug activity can also be seen. Adult stoneflies, caddis, and some of the species of mayflies have their moments at this time of the year. Using some of the foam fly patterns will be helpful too.
If you decide to nymph, you will catch plenty of fish to keep you busy. For me, I will start with a streamer and, most of the time, end with a streamer. I might not catch a lot of fish but it only takes one player to make my day. The cutthroats are looking pretty good this year. You should find plenty of 12-14 inchers to keep you busy. The 16- 18 inch are there and eager to hit some of the bigger flies. Rainbows will run from 8 up to 16 inches, and will keep you busy as well. Your favorite 5 or 6-weight, loaded with a good dry fly line, will handle your needs for the dries and nymphing. A 4 or 5-weight trout spey will take care of the need to swing.
For dry flies, use a #10 or #8 tan, yellow or chartreuse hopper, a #10 yellow or orange stimulator, a #14 olive or tan Elk Hair caddis, or a #16 TFP Hot Mess Caddis. For your nymphs, use a #12 Speckled Double Bead Stone, a #16 Tungsten Warrior, or a #16 Pheasant Tail. If streamers are your game, I use the #8 Sculpzilla Jr, the #4 TFP Bald Eagle, or the #4 Mini Montana Intruder.
More wadable water will open as the water levels drop but until then, just be a little careful where you go.
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