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March 27, 2003
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Maybe it should be 'shucks and awww', instead, for those who don't get to go fishing in the coming days and weeks, as it's panning out to be a stupenduous spring-fest out there, from what we've heard. The Yakima has dropped down like a rock, flow-wise, and the fish are aggressively pursuing their rights to feed hard. They've been liberating March browns from the surface at will, as well as some Baetis, some caddisflies, and some stray skwala stoneflies. Check the flows here, but last we checked, the river had dropped dramatically and was exhibiting nice clarity and wadeability. Suggested patterns include the para-march brown #12-16, blue-winged olive adults, nymphs and emergers #16-22, John's skwala stone #8-12, olive stimulators #8-12, hare's ears, pheasant tails, prince nymphs, all from #10-16- to imitate the baetis nymphs and march browns, stonefly nymphs in black, brown and tan #4-10, Larry's Lightning Bugs #12-16. Almost every report has been excellent, with the only complaints being about the weather, which will be your biggest ally or nemesis, as the case may be- draw you own wartime analogy here. Go fish. Steelhead both on the Sauk/Skagit, and out on the Peninsula, have been being caught. The rivers have been in and out like allied control of Basra. The up/down/up/down water flows could arguably send the fish upstream more quickly. As of today, however, reports from up north indicate that the water is that nice greenish color, and is highly fishable. Those who take the plunge reap the rewards- sometimes. Big flies deep, swung down and across will work. Fishing with a spey rod makes the most of this type of presentation, keeping the fly in the target zone for the longest period of time. But those of you who already know that already know that, and those that don't aren't going to run out and get a spey rod just because of some idiot trying to fill your head with a bunch of spey-propaganda. Look for 14' 9-weight leaflets dropping in your neighborhood soon. Of flies of the large, bulky varitey, we'd suggest a couple in particular: (you've seen them before...) Skagit Minnow, General Practitioner, General Beauregard, etc... These patterns work because they maintain their generally obtrusive silhouette in the water and as a result are easy for the fish to see and eat. Fishing flies like these is like giving the fish some nice Russian-made night-vision goggles. The fish are embedded in the river, so bring your sink-tip line. Time is running out for the steelheading, so give Tommy Franks a rest and go fishing. Puget Sound by Seth Taylor- If there were award ceremonies
held to acknowledge estuaries, such as puget sound, for there enormous
contribution to enriching our earth's production, it would often
be uttered by cutthroat and salmon, both young and old, "I'd
like to thank the little organisms - (choking back tears) the krill.
Especially euphausids (said in a full bawl)!" And a scene of
adulation, complete with standing ovations of applause by the estuarine
audience, would ensue. Lakes continue to improve with the weather. As air temperatures rise, the water follows, slowly. Chironomid hatches have been lengthening. A typical lake-bound rainbow's diet is comprised of something like 80% chironomids, so that would be your odds-on favorite. The Lenice/Nunnally crowds seem to be limited largely to the weekend days, so if, like us, you don't have a real job, try to aim for a weekday. No need to race over at the crack of dawn, either...the nighttime air is still pretty frigid, so the early morning activity will be limited. More stuff will happen with the bugs and the fish as the sun helps to warm things a bit. -And don't just limit your fly selection to the basic chironomid larvae or pupae...(the ones that just look like someone wrapped some thread on a hook)- fish the emergers, too. A chironomid breaking through the surface tension of a lake to emerge, sprout wings, dry them off, and fly away to do what chironomids do is an easy target for trout. (again, you can insert your own war analogy- I'm sick of it- or, not) The chironomid emerger is the Special Republican Guard of midge imitations. There are fewer of them, but they kick ass. They look kind of like the regular midge imitations you see around (I did have a great photo, but it vanished), but the head has feathers or fur sticking up to float the fly in the surface film of the water, rather than above or below. Fishing lakes with surface flies is hit and miss, as fish in lakes cruise around for food instead of sitting in a feeding lane like in a river. But if you can correctly guess where they'll rise next, or luck out, or both, or if there are enough fish, or bugs to keep the former looking up, you are likely to induce a strike up top. It's more fun than trolling buggers on the bottom- which is arguable as effective, if not moreso. Anyway, the lakes in general have been very good, and as long as the wind doesn't take you away, you're sure to have a fun day on the water. Try it, you'll like it. Thanks for reading and remember, if you think you're offended, we're just kidding. Go Fishing, or at least Go Shopping for fishing stuff. Sincerely, Hugh Pastoriza
Hugh Pastoriza
Copyright ©2003 Creekside Angling
Company All Rights Reserved |
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Creekside
Angling Company |
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