Creekside Angling Company

Is Spring Runoff Keeping You Off the Water?

The Yakima River is still out of shape, but it's not the only game in town. With cooler temps predicted over the next week we wouldn't be surprised to see some fishable flows over the next several days. In the meanwhile, trout and bass in our local lakes and sea-run cutthroat fishing in the Puget Sound are giving anglers plenty to do. Don't know much about lake fishing? Come on by the shop or call in and we'll gladly help you get up to speed with where to go and what to do. Hesitant because you don't have a boat, pontoon or float tube? There isn't a better time to get out and hook your first sea-run cutthroat off the beach. We have the info and resources you need to scratch that fishing itch!

HEY! YOU! Send in photos of fish you've captured and we will put them on our website in our Catch of the Week section. Email your photos to info@creeksideangling.com Bonus points for a Creekside hat. Here are a few more for your perusal.

#1 Chris Senyohl just returned from what looks like a heck of a trip to the Florida Everglades and West Indies where he managed to angle himself into what we here at Creekside like to call the "Super Mega Grand Slam": Permit, bonefish, tarpon, snook, sea trout, black drum and lookdown fish among others!

This beastly permit ate a Corbett's Crab!

Chris hooked all his bones on a Crazy Corbett...

The Tarpon ate a Corbett's Peanutbutter Milksy...

A Sloppy Corbett fooled this Snook...

Sea trout on a Corbett's Seadiever...

And a choker black drum too!

For more pics and updated fly tying instruction/videos check out our blog here.

Yakima: The Yakima River is high for now, but don't expect it to stay that way for too much longer. Much of the snow melted during the hot weather over the weekend and the river is dropping into shape fast. Get your caddis dries and pupa patterns ready because the bugs are popping and the river should be in shape by next week. Flies to try are: CFO Caddis (12-14), Elk Hair Caddis (12-14), X-Caddis (12-16), Rubber Legged stonefly (4-8), BH Pheasant Tail nymph #14-20, Lightning Bug Pearl #12-16, Lime Copper John (16-20), Prince Nymph (12-16), Silvey's Pupa (12-16), Sculpzilla (4-8), Sheila Sculpin (4), Beldar (2-8), Slap & Tickle (4).

Lakes: Damsels and Callibaetis are here! This week we've had some great reports from guys fishing the E-WA lakes. Most had success fishing damsel nymphs, but there were mentions of sporadic Callibaetis hatches on both Lenice and Chopaka. Small tan chironomids (14-16) have also been producing. Locally, rattlesnake is continuing to fish well. Fish are moving a bit shallower and chasing down buggers, leeches and damsel imitations stripped or trolled. Bass fishing is heating up both locally and in E-WA. Small to medium sized clouser minnows or other baitfish imitations are working well on Sammamish and Pine Lake for smallmouth, and a variety of big nasties--including topwatwers--are taking fish around Potholes and Moses Lake. If you have never tried bass fishing before just wait until one of these hyper agressive predators blasts your fly and doubles your rod...you'll be hooked!

Flies to try: Rapunzel (10-12), Mini Damsel (10-12), Thorax Callibaetis (12-16), D&D Cripple Callibaetis (12-16), Hale Bopp Leech (8-10), Peacock Carey (8-10), Wooley Buggers (8-10), Ice Cream Cone (10-16), Holo Cironomid (10-16), Chironocones (10-16), Knobel Chironomids (10-16).

NaCl Water:

This has been a fantastic season so far in the Puget Sound! Particularly down south we have been finding willing fish more often than not and hooking some nice ones. Sand lance are showing up now in good numbers and there are still plenty of salmon smolts around. While a variety of baitfish imitations have been catching fish lately, hooking up consistently on any particular one has been tough. It really all depends on how active the fish are, how much bait is around and what type of bait the fish are eating. This is why it's important to have some accurate sand lance, smolt and herring imitations as well as some attractor patterns and wild color schemes in your box. A good rule of thumb is to go natural when you see fish feeding, but don't be afraid to think outside the box when things get tough.

*For those of you who are new to beach fishing and want to give it a go, we offer guided beach fishing trips as well as trips out of the boat with our head guide Chris Senyohl. For more info on these trip visit our shop or give us a call at 425-392-3800*

Flies To Try: Wests Imitator, Foul Free Herring, Seth's Sand Lance,Rolled Muddlers, Wooley Buggers, Miyawaki Poppers, Clouser Minnows.

Classes/Events:

Experience the Best Juvenile Tarpon Fishing in the World

Creekside Tarpon Tour: May 17-25, 2014

Here at Creekside Angling Company the passion for tropical saltwater fishing runs deep. For the past 20 years we have been exploring the finest and most exciting saltwater destinations. Our travels have taken us from Florida and the Bahamas to Belize and Ascension Bay, Christmas Island and several other fantastic locations. This year we wanted to do something extra special and unique, so we talked to the boys at Fly Water Travel and they introduced us to a one of a kind tarpon fishery in the Yucatan. By all accounts the juvenile tarpon fishing at Isla Del Sabalo and Tarpon Cay Lodge has to be experienced to be believed.

A Destination With Multiple Personalities...

Poling the mangroves in the backwaters at Isla Del Sabalo.

Tarpon Cay's expansive turtlegrass flats offer explosive sight fishing!

We have been working closely with Fly Water Travel to come up with a program that will allow us to spend a few days fishing at each lodge in order to experience the varied fisheries at both destinations. Each has its own unique personality and the best way to get the most out of the trip is to fish both!

Tarpon Cay: Sight Fishing the Flats

Tarpon Cay Lodge is located on the north shore of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, where most of the fishing occurs over very shallow flats that are covered by a dark colored, broad leafed turtle grass. Roving schools of tarpon in the 5lb – 15lb class can number just a few or several hundred. The lodge utilizes spacious 18 foot pangas with an extensive level casting deck and all fly fishing is conducted out of these stealthy, stable, and comfortable fishing platforms. The nearest boundary of the fishery is very close to the lodge and, therefore, only requires a 15 - 25 minute boat ride to arrive at most of your Yucatan fly fishing areas.

The fishing can be fast paced and explosive. On a calm day, it is not uncommon to observe pods of Tarpon rolling and slashing bait on the flats - an awe-inspiring moment to say the least ... don't forget to cast.

Isla Del Sabalo: "Island of Tarpon"

Isla del Sabalo is located off of the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The fertile mangrove-lined waters of Mexico’s northern Yucatan Peninsula represent the most prolific juvenile tarpon fishery in the world. Ranging in size from 5 to 30+ pounds, the tarpon here reside in environs of turtle grass flats and mangrove lined lagoons, creeks, and channels. The hallmark of this fishery is the gin-clear flats and the amazing network of backcountry lagoons and channels. These characteristics make this fishery an incredible rearing ground for these resident baby tarpon. Whether you are sight casting to rolling tarpon on the flats or working the mangroves with your top-water pattern, fly fishing for tarpon at Isla del Sabalo is a pure adrenaline rush.

Accomodations

The best way to describe the accomodations at both lodges is simple and comfortable. The region these lodges are situated in has all of the rustic charm of a traditional fishing village.

Isla Del Sabalo is on a beach front facing the open ocean. Guests stay in spacious ocean front cottages equipped with air-conditioning, fans, and a full private bath with shower (hot and cold water). There is a housekeeping service that cleans the room and replaces, towels, bottled drinking water, cups, and bar soap each day. A unique feature of the property is the beach front “palapa”. This wonderful area is perfect for relaxing after a long day of chasing Tarpon.

The accommodations at Tarpon Cay Lodge are comfortable, bright, and enriched with traditional Mexican decor. A spacious lounge provides dining areas, comfortable seating for relaxing, and a nice workspace for fly tying or working on tackle at the day's end. Upstairs, the spacious guest rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, fans, and a full private bath with shower. Rooms are bright with a nice ocean view.

The meals are another highlight of the fishing here. Hearty portions with a local flavor are an absolute culinary delight for the big appetite. Breakfast is ordered the night prior from a full menu (American and Mexican dishes). Your breakfast will be promptly served in the morning to assure you an on-time start of your daily fishing adventure. Lunches consist of made-to-order sandwiches, snacks, and assorted beverages.

Upon your return from an exciting day of tarpon-mania, dinner is served. Entrees may include chicken, pork, or the catch-of-the-day - fish, shrimp, or even lobster! Additionally, the lodge can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Let the staff know and they will prepare an appetizing alternative that is often looked over with envy by your fellow dinner guests.

The Program

The trip is set up so that we will have three days of fishing at each lodge. From week to week the fishing program depends largely on tides and weather conditions. On some weeks, you will fish from morning through the afternoon. On other weeks, the program may consist of fishing the AM hours, a break mid-day (lunch/”siesta”!), and then an evening session of fishing. Your guides will determine the program based on the optimum timing of tides and weather.

Itinerary

May 17: Arrive Cancun (Airport CUN)
May 18 – 20: 3 days guided fishing at Tarpon Cay Lodge
May 21: Transfer to Isla Del Sabalo
May 22 – 24: 3 days guided fishing at Isla Del Sabalo
May 25: Depart Merida (Airport MID)

Pricing

$3,595.00 per person based on double occupancy for an 8 night/6 day fishing package

There are only 5 spots available for this trip!

Call and reserve your spot today: (425) 392-3800

Included: Guided fishing, accommodations and meals at Tarpon Cay, non-alcoholic beverages, guest taxes, fishing licenses, ground transfers to and from Cancun airport.
Not Included: Airfare, gratuities, phone services, internet access, laundry service, alcoholic beverages, meals in Cancun, fly fishing gear and tackle.

"Baby tarpon weighing up to about 20 pounds and small tarpon up to about 50 pounds are a delight to catch on tackle matched to the task. Whenever you have an opportunity to do this type of fishing, whether for baby tarpon or the giants, don't pass it up. You will never have a more meaningful or memorable angling experience. In fact, as one fellow put it, 'I thought I died and went to Heaven.'"

- Excerpt from Fishing the Flats, by Lefty Kreh and Mark Sosin

Be sure to check our website and Facebook page for updates on this trip. We expect this trip to fill fast so if you want to reserve your spot or you would like more info call or e-mail the shop right away!

(425) 392-3800

info@creeksideangling.com

Intermediate Casting Classes With FFF Certified Casting Instructor Bill Wheeler-

Sharpen your casting skills with FFF certified casting instructor Bill Wheeler. Intermediate casting classes are a great way for fly fishermen to brush up on basic technique, increase casting distance and improve accuracy. These classes are also a great supplement to our "Intro to Fly Fishing" classes for beginners looking to take their casting skills to the next level. For more info on these classes or to sign up for a date, please call our Issaquah location (425) 392 3800 or check the "Classes" section of our website for upcoming dates and pricing

Gift Certificates are available.

NEW!! Featured Product for 5/15/2013:

- R.L. Winston BIIISX Fly Rods

Why should "fast action" be synonymous with "broomstick?" According to the experts at R.L. Winston, it isn't. At least, not anymore... They took the most powerful taper that has ever come off the factory floor and filled it full of smooth casting Winston soul. The results? An astonishing combination of performance and feel in an ultralight, powerful package that is perfect for the most demanding of salt and freshwater fly fishing situations.

We fished the 9' 7WT this fall for coho off of the Puget Sound beaches and the rod proved up to the task. Long casts with large flies were effortless. Windy conditions were no problem. Big, bright coho were subdued time and time again.

R.L. Winston offers the BIIISX in two different lengths from 4-12 weights. From big dries on windy days to cruising tarpon at 70 feet, there is something for everybody.

Price: 4-6WT-$795, 7-12WT-$895

Come on in to Creekside and check them out today!

Feed Fish Flies.

Charlie Robinton
Creekside Angling Company
Seattle & Issaquah, WA
info@creeksideangling.com
www.creeksideangling.com

Planning a trip? Check out our friends at Off the Hook Fly Fishing Travel, a team of devoted fly fishing pros committed to connecting you with the very best fly fishing guide or fly fishing trip possible. They are experienced anglers and world travelers devoted to ensuring that clients receive the best up to date information on angling oportunities. This will be important in timing your fishing trip and in helping you choose the best fly fishing guide or global fishing destination. They book trips to destinations such as Belize, the Bahamas, Mexico and Alaska, but are happy to call Northern California home. Keep them in mind when you are looking for destination travel or fly fishing guide trips on the Lower Sacramento, Yuba, Trinity, McCloud, Pit, Feather or Putah Creek in Northern California.

Attention Washington anglers: Boating laws in Washington state have changed. If you operate a motorized vessel 15hp or above on Washington waterways you are required by law to take a boating safety course and get your Washington boat license. Be safe while you are out fishing and don't get caught without it!

Take a safe boating course and get your boat license in Washington State to increase your fishing success and safety.

Make a difference. More controversial than the Chicago Blacksox, I'm sure most of you have heard about the proposed Pebble Mine near Bristol Bay Alaska. You've also probably heard about the environmentally disasterous potential this mine poses. Either way please read up on the issue and join the fight to stop the construction of the Pebble Mine. For more info go to Sportsman's Aliiance for Alaska or Renewable Resources Coalition or Save Bristol Bay.

Send us your feedback: info@creeksideangling.com

Creekside Angling Company
1410A NW Gilman Blvd
Issaquah, WA 98027
425-392-3800