The water has bumped up quite a bit but overall fishing has still stayed pretty consistent. With the higher water, streamer fishing has really picked up which has allowed to find some much bigger fish. Both swinging and nymphing naturally colored sculpin patterns has been effective, especially over drop-offs and areas with a lot of structure.
We’re still getting fish to eat dries and we’re noticing a bit more stoneflies starting to fly around, along with PMD’s and caddis. Fishing a chubby chernobyl with an emerger as a dropper has been the most effective, along with throwing stimulators, chernobyl ants, and glommers.
Nymphing has also been pretty steady and has been the most effective way to fish on the upper river (above the Cle Elum confluence). Stonefly nymphs in tan, brown, or black, anywhere from a size 12 to a 6 have been fishing very consistent as they always do. For a dropper, flash back hare’s ears, pheasant tails, copper johns, and lightning bugs from sizes 18 to 12.
As usual, if you have any questions about fishing or want to book a guide trip, feel free to call either shop!