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Yakima River: The water is dropping into
shape nicely in the wake of 4th of July dam holdbacks; At Cle Elum
the level is approximately 2600 cfs, which is worlds better than
the 5000cfs levels we've been seeing lately, and down river in Ellensburg
it's down to about 2800cfs from 7000cfs earlier this week. What
this means is that the river is fishable. If you go, we'd recommend
the following patterns which reflect what is now hatching on the
river: PMD's #14-16, Yellow Sallies #12-14, Yellow or Orange Stimulators,
#8-12, Green Drakes (mostly upper river) #10, Caddis #14-16, also,
as always, Bead Head Prince nymphs, hare's ears, lightning bugs,
pheasant tails in #12-16. The fishing may not be so great yet, but
should really turn on in the next few days as the fish and insects
acclimate to the new water levels.
Local Lakes: Rattlesnake and Alice have
been producing good reports for the most part, depending, of course,
upon who you talk to. Jere Crosby (Crosby Guide Service 222-7556)
said Alice was fishing well this week as he spent several hours
dragging woolly buggers and the like around with a sinking line.
Rattlesnake will always fish best just before and right at dusk.
Look for little sedge (caddis) flies, but I'd concentrate on Chironamids,
Damsel flies, Dragonflies, Callibaetis Mayflies and streamers (ie.
woolly buggers, carey's, etc.)
Rocky Ford: Has been fishing well of
late given the not so hot temps over in Eastern WA....If you go,
get there early to ensure that there's no algae bloom. The usual
patterns have been continuing to prove themselves there: Chironamids
in various stages (ie larva, pupa, emerger, adult), Callibaetis
(nymph, emerger, cripple, adult), scuds always work there, and try
big streamers if you're there in the evening...just after dusk you
can slay 'em with a big black or white woolly bugger or similar
streamer.
The Stilly is in shape, particularly above Deer Creek, but is slow
in terms of numbers of fish showing up, according to our resident
guide, Mike Kinney. Few reports on the Sky and Snoqualmie due to
high water levels. When the water drops, though, be the first on
your block to hook a summer steelhead 'cause they're definitely
in the Snoqualmie in pretty good numbers. Strategy: Floating line,
long leader to 8lb or so, sparce patterns like green butt skunk,
purple peril, skykomish sunrise, Meyer's spey, etc. in #6 or so...
as you can imagine, we've got a great selection of steelhead patterns
here at the shop and would be more than happy to introduce you to
some of them...(they're really easy to tie, too.) Cast across stream
and drift down, trying to keep the fly broadside to the fish, (which
are facing upstream, assumably). No need to wade deep: the fish
will hold close to the banks, so cover the water systematically
and let your fly swing all the way down until it's hanging below
you. Don't pick up and recast too soon....Obviously, patience and
persistence is the key. The people who catch steelhead are those
who spend alot of time with their fly in the water. Pay your dues
and you'll be rewarded!!! Prime time is just around the corner.
What have I left out? Probably alot, but the above report reflects
the talk we've been hearing here at the shop from both customers
and staff. Hope it's helpful.
Seth is out on the south sound today, so I'll fire up a report from
him next week.
Have a great holiday weekend. We'll be closed on Sunday, July 4th
to celebrate and experiment with explosive flies.
Hugh Pastoriza
Creekside Angling Company
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All Rights Reserved
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