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So here we are, on the cusp of the big new year, and
does anyone really know if their fly gear is Y2K compliant? If you're
not sure, feel free to stop by the shop and we can show you some
of the year 2000 gear.
Fortunately, Martial Law has not yet been declared on the local
rivers, so we can still escape the protests and go fishing. Here
are some suggested locations and quarries:
***Please bear in mind that given the season and the possibility
of large amounts of rain in short periods, river conditions change
rapidly for both the better and the worse. Please feel free to call
the shop at any time and we'll tell you everything we know about
current flows.***
The Snoqualmie is high, but visibility
is decent, and there are still some chums lingering, although the
focus will soon shift to winter steelhead throughout the western
WA streams. The Tolt river is dumping very dirty water into the
Snoqualmie down in Carnation, so we'd suggest that you fish above
there somewhere, like in Fall City or up by Tokul Creek, near the
falls. There is good access in both of these spots, although with
ease of access comes increased traffic on the rivers. (duh...) Wednesday
Morning there were several steelhead landed in Fall City, according
to observers who's identities will remain private for security reasons.
So, the fish are there...go get them. Sink tip lines, at least type
IV are necessary, and big, bulky marabou or bunny flies of various
colors in size #2 or #1/0.
The Skykomish is looking ok too, but,
again, the tributaries, such as the Sultan, will be adding to the
discoloration of the water, so the higher the better. There are
chum still in the Sky as well, but I believe that both it and the
Snoqualmies' fish are beginning to show a bit of color, so don't
be surprised if your hook you casted out as a big fluffy marabou
pattern comes back as a flesh fly.
The Stilly is not Y2K compliant, so we'll
keep the discussion brief. My understanding has always been that
it isn't kosher to fish the N. Fork of the Stilly for Chum salmon,
and have been told so by several others over the years, including
a Fish & Wildlife Officer. However, if you were to scrutinize
the fishing regulations for the state of Washington, you'd be hard
pressed to come up with any printed matter that explicitly forbids
the aforementioned practice. Furthermore, if you were to take a
drive up to, say, the Fortson Mill area, I think you might see a
few (droves) of anglers on the river who's designs are on salmon,
not Steelhead. Anyway, most of the fish up there are getting ripe
now, so....Steelhead it is!
The Sauk/Skagit drainage is probably
the best bet for anadramous fishing right now if you can bear the
drive. The river levels change quickly up there, particularly in
the Sauk, so be ready for bliss or disappointment. The glacially
tainted waters and scenery are absolutely gorgeous if you've never
been, and it can be a super winter fishery. We suggest a guided
day for those who have not had either opportunity of success in
that area, as there is a lot of great water, and ground, to cover...
The Yakima River is blown out. Freezing
levels need to drop and rains need to cease for the Yak to come
around again...and even when it does, winter trout fishing there
is similar to winter steelheading from a catch rate perspective.
The key will be to work the water systematically and think like
a fish. They're sitting in the most convenient spot they can find.
Exert as little energy as possible. (period). There's not nearly
as much food for the fish in the wintertime, and lower water temps
mean a slower metabolism as well...low food supply, slow metabolism..You've
got to really put the fly where the fish are, so nymphs and streamers
will be your most effective strategy. Bright, flashy nymphs with
some meat on their bones (i.e.. bigger sizes...#10 prince nymphs
& Pheasant Tails, lightning bugs, etc.). Effective streamer
tactics call for a downstream mend or two, then strip the fly across
the current in an irregular fashion. If there is a hatch, it'll
most likely be Chironamids or maybe some Baetis...very small stuff
imitated with either a #18-20 griffith's gnat, or other Midge adult
or pupae imitation, and the BWO's (baetis--Blue Winged Olive), are
imitated with a pattern of the same name, which is also easy to
find in a parachute configuration, which makes it much easier to
see.....
Rocky Ford has been fishing well, for
some, but "large crowds" there lately have detracted somewhat
from the overall experience for those I've spoken to in the last
week or so. When I say large crowds, take it with a couple of grains
of salt (like everything else, for that matter) as some folks' definition
of crowded is different from others.
Local Lakes have been pretty quiet lately.
I have heard nothing in the last week of substance. Pass Lake is
slow, with multiple weather fronts moving through daily and it's
susceptibility to barometric pressure changes, things should pick
up when (if) the weather stabilizes. On calmer days we should start
to see cutthroat rising off the boat launch in Lake Sammamish, sipping
Chironamids.
The Puget Sound report is better than
back to back episodes of Barney. Cutthroat and resident Silvers
are being caught in the central and south sound as we speak, primarily
on baitfish close to shore, and knudsen spiders work too...And the
sound isn't subject to the whims of mother nature in the same way
as the rivers...your biggest enemy is wind, which, in most cases,
is not insurmountable.
So, in summation, you honor, I'll testify that the fishing report,
while somewhat mundane and unexciting this week, contained a couple
of fairly upbeat notes. Furthermore, I submit that there are several-
nay- Many Great Places To Fish. Right Now.
So the defendant has no good reason not to fish, beyond trivialities
such as work, family and time...But Life is short, so fish now,
cause if your gear isn't Y2K compliant, or is manufactured as the
result of unfair trade practices, then you may not get another opportunity
for a while.
Hugh Pastoriza
Creekside Angling Company
©1994-2002 Creekside Angling Company All Rights
Reserved.
Creekside Angling Company
1180 NW Gilman Blvd. Suite C5
Issaquah, WA 98027
425-392-3800 (voice)
425-557-8928 (fax)
info@creeksideangling.com
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