Yakima River Report 3.2.17

yakima_river_report_3217Spring is close, at least that’s what I keep telling myself.

Standing in a clear-running Yakima River, with a fly rod in hand, I think I may have had Old Man Winter beat. Temperatures hovering around 40 and light angler effort made it a perfect afternoon to shake off the cobwebs of winter. A short sinktip was all I needed to swim streamers happily through the cozy holes and riffles I found in the South Cle Elum stretch. However, I should have brought a floating line (and I suggest you do) because as I wandered down the banks, I noticed something crawling on the snow- a stonefly!!!

Yep, a little black winter stone was coming off in the Upper Yak. Eureka! But, having already wagered it was too early, I left my nymph attack in Omak. Now, I was wishing I had something to nymph with, besides a streamer- maybe like a Black AP Nymph in a size 14?

Speaking of Lil’ Stones, the Skwalla Valhalla that is the Yakima is warming and soon will be feeling those little Skwalla stoneflies tickling her streambed. It’s a fair bet that the annual Yakima Skwalla hatch will be long-lived and robust this season. As some of you may remember, last season an early Cascade monsoon made the river practically unfishable just as soon as the bugs were noticed. After many had given up, a few diligent die-hards were rewarded with some Skwalla love. But, it wasn’t the hatch we had hoped for. This year, let’s hope a nice steady March and April continue the favorable flows we’re seeing now.

Want to try out some new flies? Check out our fly selection here

I suggest that all you winter-weary anglers get out to the Yak like I did and shake it off. Break out the lil’ dark stoneflies (#10-#14) and give 'em a shot. Dries like the Rogue River Stone Skwalla and the X-Stimulator Skwalla should be a joy to fish. And if you get out there, leave me a comment on how you did!

Thanks,

Steph