Fishing Report Nov 3. 2022
From everyone here at Creekside Angling, we hope everyone enjoyed the warm and long summer we had here in the Pacific Northwest. It seems we have flipped the switch weather wise with significantly cooler weather, much welcomed rain in the lowlands and snow beginning to fall in the hills. As we progress through the cooler months fishing opportunities may change, although there will remain freedom to chase fish across the area. Whether its the Yakima River, Puget Sound, or pursuing Salmon or Steelhead stop the shop to find where and what you need to get after some fish this Fall!
Yakima River:
Over the last two months the Yakima has receded into its lower flows until next summer, allowing ample accessibility through the system from Easton to Roza. The colder in weather has lead to changes in the system, including the bug life and fish behavior. Typically rain will intermittently inundate the Columbia Basin this time of year, allowing flows to increase and essentially reset the Yakima dynamics. Regarding insects, we will see Blue Wing Olives adults more prevalant on cloudy days, a few October Caddis still bouncing around, and the occasional Mahogany Mayflies. Targeting rising fish during the afternoon hatches with Purple Haze #16-18, Quigley's Sparkle Flag BWO #16-18, and Comparadun BWO #16-18 should trick some trout. Otherwise nymphing earlier in the day with Pat's rubberlegs in Black or Coffee/Black #6-10 with a mayfly nymph dropper, such as a Pheasant Tail #14-18, Copper John #16-18, Perdigon's in black or olive #16-18, Rio's Baetis Nymph #16-18, or a black Lightning Bug #16-18. With increased rainfall, keep an eye on river flows, and you may need to try some San Juan worms as well. Fall can be a great time to try your luck with streamer fishing, as trout look for baitfish and sculpin to feed on before winter sets in. Whether on a 5-6wt or a trout spey rod, swinging streamers can be a great way to cover water and target larger trout.
Lakes:
The Westside lakes are progressively better than when we were inundated with the heat of August and September. Few lakes have been stocked with trout this time of year, though many others will have holdover trout to chase. Trolling with a Wooley Bugger or a Leech will be productive, but you can also cast and retrieve these around structure too. Fishing chironomid patterns underneath an indicator is also another technique to consider employing. Eastside lakes are faring much better with consistent colder temperatures, making for some happy trout. Similar techniques as stated above will work, yet you may want to consider having some scuds in addition to chironomids to fish under an indicator.
We will have a brief window to chase bass as well before they turn to deeper water to inhabit for winter. Finding structure is always key, so look for downed trees, docks and any other hard cover for the fish to seek out. Fishing baitfish imitations, crayfish, and leeches can all attract Smallmouth in our lowland lakes.
Having a float tube or a boat can greatly increase success on lakes regardless of species you are after, though you can very well find fish from shore. Come check out our stock of inflatables if you are in need, we have float tubes and even the Outcast Clearwater in stock!
Saltwater:
Trout fishing the Puget Sound can give yet another opportunity that can often be overlooked. During the cooler months fishing for Sea-Run Cutthroat can be a good avenue to get your fly rod some action. Ensure you try to find ample structure for the fish (rocky structure, oyster beds, points with current breaks) and start casting! Typical flies entail Clouser Minnows in various colors (we prefer pink/white, olive/white, chartreuse/white), baitfish imitations such as Rio's Just Keep Swimming or Precious Metal, and smaller shrimp/squid patterns. Intermediate lines tend to be the most productive, though a floating line (possibly with a sinking leader/poly leader) can be utilized to fish the shallow waters the Cutthroat inhabit.
Steelhead:
The early Fall didn't provide ideal conditions for Steelhead returning to Columbia River tributaries, yet with the rainfall as of late it has increased flows on many streams and provided cool water for returning fish. We should see better fishing with the Steelhead moving around in the increased flows. The Klickitat and Grand Ronde are both producing fish, though our employees and customers reported very low flows up until very recently. Whether you use a single hand or two-handed rod, grab some Intruder's, Hoh-Bo Spey's or some more traditional patterns and swing them through your favorite enticing waters!
Olympic Peninsula:
Thankfully we will be seeing reopening of most rivers out on the Washington coast and Olympic Peninsula. We had a brief closure with most rivers lowering to 10-25% of their median streamflow for this time of year. You can find all the information on the following hyperlink: WDFW emergency rules
Guides Corner:
If you are looking for a guided trip, we have guides looking to get you on some fish! Whether its Trout, Salmon or Steelhead, you can call Chris Senyohl of Intrepid Anglers @ (425)-890-1681, or Brett Wedeking of Tailout Anglers @ (425)-443-3782
