Summertime Fishing Report

We are amongst the dog days of summer, and while your favorite trout stream may be low and warm there are more than enough opportunities across the state to chase after fish. Check out some of the highlights below!

Yakima River:

While flows have remained relatively high through July and August, we have seen a slow reduction of water out of the Cle Eum Reservoir bringing flows into the upper 3000's CFS. With our prolonged warm weather the water temperatures have risen above ideal levels lately, especially above the Cle Elum River confluence. Fishing the early hours of the day is wise, which will provide active fish and lower water temperatures to ensure the fish remain healthy. Bring your thermometer with you this time of year to make sure you aren't stressing the fish out too much! We have been seeing 70 degree water temperatures above the Cle Elum confluence, so be wary of fishing in the afternoon/evening hours in the upper reaches of the Yakima.

Dry fly fishing has been successful with Summer Stone adults and terrestrial patterns such as grasshoppers and flying ants, and though fish tend to be tucked into the banks don't be afraid to fish middle river shelves and seamlines if there isn't enough water on certain banks (especially above the Thorp diversion!). In the lower canyon, the stoneflies and terrestrials need to be fished tight to structure along the banks, as fish will be holding in the eddies and under structure in these areas. Streamers are always fun to fish this time of year in the higher water, either from the boat or while wading. Sculpin patterns have been producing great fish lately, though the tried and true Dolly Llama is always a fly to try.

Find water with nice structure where the trout can ambush a swimming streamer, and hold on! Dry flies to consider will be: Chubby Chernobyl's in tan/orange/purple/royal #8-12, Rainbow Brite #8-10; Yellow/Orange Stimulators #8-10; Nymphing will always be successful through the summer with various stonefly patterns and sizes such as the TJ Hooker and Pat's Rubberleg's, paired with either Pheasant Tails, Perdigon style nymphs, Lightning Bug's, or Caddis larva nymphs to increase your success.

Puget Sound Streams:

Many of our freestone Cascade streams have receded in flows over the last month, to the point where we should be considering water temperatures and the effects on our native trout. While many streams will have cooler water in the upper reaches, the lower portions of the rivers will have increased temperatures.

Many options remain though whether venturing to the upper reaches or cooler tributaries, there is cooler water closure to and in the mountainous areas. Dry fly fishing will remain through the summer, and a number of patterns will suffice! You don't have to match many hatches this time of year, as attractor patterns and terrestrial flies fished in likely habitat should rise the rainbows and cutthroats. Subsurface presentations such as nymphs or streamers will provide success, especially in the fast and deep waters where trout will likely inhabit. Stoneflies, caddis pupa/larva, and mayflies under an indicator or tight line presentation will all be good options! Otherwise smaller sculpin and baltfish flies fished under tension can entice some of the larger fish.

Lakes:

While we transition from lowland lake trout fishing in the heat of the summer the warm water species, namely bass, are around and willing to eat the fly! Small baitfish patterns, crappie and crayfish imitations are all great flies to utilize on local waters, but don't forget to have a few poppers to target around structure and foliage!

Eastside lakes have been fishing well for bass and carp! From Potholes and the nearby seeps lakes, to the numerous smaller basin lakes, there is a number of places to explore for warm water fish. Baitfish patterns and crayfish patterns will entice many small and largemouth bass, though poppers and dragonflies twitched on the surface can elicit some excitement as well! Carp will generally feed on smaller crayfish and worm flies, the tough part is presenting your fly to the spooky fish! Be patient, spot the fish, and cast a little ways in front of the fish to allow them time to see your fly without spooking them.

Alpine lakes are another great fishery through the summer months, with many providing great views and great trout fishing to boot. Fish in these areas aren't terribly picky, though leeches and buggers are always on the menu, dry flies will include gnats, mosquitos, and terrestrials as well. If you haven't experienced watching a trout in gin clear water rise for you dry fly in a picturesque setting of an alpine lake, you should check it off your list!

Saltwater:

The Puget Sound provides great refuge from the warmer local streams this time of year! The saltwater gives the cutthroat trout some cooler water temperatures, so it's not a bad idea to give the riverine fish a break during the dog days of summer. While the fish will generally be around creek and river estuaries, many beaches with sufficient habitat in the North and South Sound will harbor fish, so don't be too picky which one you land on. Besides finding structure such as rocks, oyster beds, and points, ensure you are on the lookout for moving water when fishing the sound, which will be present during moving tides. Most importantly, if the current beach is devoid of life change your location to another local beach.

Some of our favorite flies are smaller baitfish patterns such as clouser minnows, otherwise Euphasiids, Sand Eel's and Sculpins are all good flies to tie on and cast to the cruising Cutties!

Steelhead:

We are seeing decent numbers of fish returning over Bonneville Dam, while not ideal numbers they are in excess of years past. While still slightly early in the season, fish will continue to return to their natal streams over the next couple months into the fall. While fishing with sink tips and wet flies will be a more productive technique, there is always the chance to raise an active fish to the surface on a waked fly as well! Grab your two hander, Skagit or Scandi shooting head, and swing some flies for some steelhead on the Eastern Washington streams! The Grande Ronde and Klickitat are a couple systems to keep in mind if you're considering chasing after our precious steelhead.