YAKIMA

 

Clarity Chart
4-5 Feet    Upper Proper
5-6 Feet    Upper Flatlands
4-5  Feet   Upper Canyon
4-3 Feet    Farmlands
1.5 feet       Lower Canyon

GREAT FISHING….Some would say some of the best of the Yakima is from now until the April.  I would have to agree.  Obviously, if the river is frozen over like much of the Lower river has been for the past month it makes it a bit difficult to fish…lol.  Much of the middle and upper river will not freeze over during the big cold spells.   Generally the Lower river is where we see most of the ice.

Watch for days where the water temp warms instead of drops.  If you see a weather pattern that is going to increase the water temp even by 1 degree….That is thumbs up.

This Gage is in the Upper Canyon between Cle Elum and Thorp
Yakima River Water Temps at Horlick

This Cage is as it is stated, near Ellensburg.  This particular location is generally the coldest water temp readings on the entire river
Yakima River Water Temps at Ellensburg

FLY CHOICEs
#8-12 San Juans
#8-12 Pats Stones
6mm Whitefish egg
#8-12 Skwala stone nymph renditions
#14-18 Prince nymphs, Lightning Bugs, Caddis Larva
#18-20 Midge Pupae

#4-10 Streamers
Wolley Buggers, Sculpzillas, Sparkle Minnows,

Short leash nymphing and Nymphal Drift 

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UPPER COLUMBIA
This river is in great shape…  Should be a great swing season.

February and March are a great time to swing the Upper Columbia. As with any river during the winter/early spring,  watch for the weather pattern that is at least slightly warming and not dropping for optimal activity.

Line types

Spey – Generally standard Skagits, Scandits, Scandi’s with some long line applications here and there.

Single hand lines- Dry line to 24 feet of 300 grain sink tip.

Choice of line and density depends on depth, flow and mood of fish

Fly Choices #2-8 Catch Alls, Buggers, Bow River Buggers, Sparkle Minnows, Sculpzillas