Seasons are changing here on the east side of the Cascades, and the bugs of the Yakima river have begun their annual cycle of emergence. Weather forecasts for the upcoming weeks look amazing, so if the cold was keeping you off the river now is your chance to get out in some warm weather! Bug life should respond well to the rising temps so your chances of catching that perfect Skwala day are excellent over the next two weeks.
Nymphing
Skwala stonefly nymphs have been a major food source for trout the past few weeks with size 8 or 10 Pat’s Rubberleg Stonefly patterns often being the top producer. Tag onto these your favorite worm, BWO or March Brown nymph and you should be able to put some fish in the net (with a good presentation, of course). Many nymph eaters are still holding in 3-4 ft deep walking speed water but don’t be afraid to try some shallower, faster water as well. These faster water zones can be particularly productive during an active March Brown emergence.
Dries
While we are seeing fantastic numbers of midges on the surface, few trout if any are being taken on these dry patterns. If you are keen to find your first dry fly fish of the year focus on throwing Skwala patterns starting from mid-day through to the evening. We’ve restocked our stonefly dry section in the shop with some new Skwala patterns in addition to the classic bullethead Skwalas so stop by to up your chances during your float. Definitely carry along a few of your favorite BWO and March Brown patterns in case you happen on one of these incredible emergences.
Streamers
Streamer fishing hit a cold spot when the Skwala nymphs first started moving in the river but we’ve seen an increase in predatory attitudes during the morning portions of floats. Nothing fancy to report on what the fish like – white, olive and black patterns with zonker tails continue to be the most productive. If the fish aren’t actively chasing your streamer try slowing your retrieve way down to just enough to keep the streamer from hanging bottom. Sometimes the big lazy fish just want a big lazy meal so meet them where they are at.
Mike Loop (McPloop)