Looking Northwest towards Mt. Adams

The Klickitat region experienced HEAVY rains and thunderstorms last night as well as into this morning.  The Glenwood area is expected to see a lot more of it today and then will subside according to the weather report.  However, the recent weather report missed the mark over the last 24 hours as we were only suppose to have a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms.

So the Klickitat volume has increased quite a bit since yesterday’s report;  the clarity decreased.  Currently back to ‘unfishable’… We will keep you posted.  Should be back on track quickly.

It appears our regions of fire are receiving the rain as well…..That is a good thing.  Let’s just hope the lightning does not add to the issue.

Klickitat clarity on July 17

These images show the difference in clarity on the Klickitat  over the past week.  Photos are deceiving, but the first image depicts about 3-4 inches of visibility and the second image depicts about 1.5 feet of visibility.

My largest fish last year came with 18 inches of viz.  We are a go, as I see it……I will be swinging a fly manana!

Based on weather reports, the river’s clarity should only get better.

Klickitat clarity today, July 22

We have seen some good consistent fishing this year.  Through the hot spell, the mornings and evening definitely proved to be the time for the dry.

Recently, with the cooler temps in comparison to the previous weeks, the mornings have been less predictable.

Hatches include, # 6-8 Summer Stones, #14-16 Caddis,  #14 PED’s,  #14-16 Yellow Sallies, #6-12 Hoppers and #12-18 Ants/Beetles.  Above is a ‘guides choice’ for the past week.

The Upper Flatlands, Upper Canyon and Lower Canyon seem to be the place to be recently and….The fishing in the Farmlands and the Upper Proper have been OK…

The heat has finally caught up with the Northeast corner of Washington.

Catching over the past few days has slowed quite a bit on both watersheds….Pray for cooler weather.

This free gathering is for those who would like to learn not only how to cast the two hander better and further, but also how to fish it!





11AM – 12PM CHECK IN at Leidl Access on the Klickitat – Directions to Leidl – After crossing the bridge…Leidl campground is on both sides of the highway… Take a left to enter the west side campground and follow the sign down river…

Class topics to most likely include but not limited to…

-> Demystifying the variety of two hand lines
-> Beginner two hand casting 
-> Intermediate/advanced two hand casting
-> Getting more distance
-> Fishing the fly, hooking and fighting fish
-> Single hand spey casting
-> Up against the trees 
-> Combining casts to optimize efficiency
-> Long Belly Casting vs Underhand Casting
-> Overhead Casting with the Two Hander

Schedule of Events

-> 12-4:30 PM free classes and free riverside barbecue
-> 4:30 – 6:30 Open time
-> 6:30 – 8:30 Free Barbecue and Catch Mag viewing at The Steelhead Ranch
-> At Dark at The Steelhead Ranch – A Special Outside and Under the Stars Presentation of and by Catch Magazine.

Product lines represented by Echo, Redington, Sage, Rio, Airflo, Hardy/Greys, Vision and more to come.

Speakers; Brian Chou, Brian Styskal, Eric Neufeld, Ben Dow, Jack Mitchell, Steelie Mike. Jeff Cottrell.

Robert and Nikolai with a great UC Trout

We are in the middle of the Upper Columbia Drake Hatch.  Everyday is different.  We have seen some great fish lately with some ‘nice ones’ eating the large Mayflies.  Nymphing during the day continues to be a bit unpredictable….However, definitely has produced.  A variety of of typical Caddis and Mayfly nymphs have been productive but

The Kettle river is dropping fast in volume and has fished avg to good based on the day…..Predominant bugs used lately fall into the terrestrial category with a #8 ‘Foam Bug’ winning the contest.  Streamers have been ‘not so good’ lately with the bright sun and heat.

Bailey with a classic Kettle Redside

We definitely have our summer flows now on the Yakima.  The fishing has been ‘pretty darn’ good considering the heat.  The big flow doesn’t pose a problem as long as it is reasonably stable.

Bugs of the Week

Hopper Stone - Tan   # 6    Super Chernobyl - Pink # 8
Chernobyl-CFO Ant - Flesh #8

Copper John - Black #12  FB Pheasant Tail # 12-14 
Lightning Bug - Pearl # 12-14 
CDC Pheasant Tail # 12-14

We recommend using nymphs one size bigger than usual because of
the high flows. One of our best dropper nymphs this week has been

a #12 black Copper John simulating a Green Drake or small 
Stonefly nymph.

Hatching this week :
Summer Stones
Yellow Sally's
Caddis
PMD's
Hoppers , Ants

The Yakima has been good to great fishing recently.  With the first full moon phase timed with the kick off of the Summer Stones the fishing has been CONSISTENT throughout.  The morning and the evening game has been good with the dry fly while the day time best with the nymph.

Best nymphs lately include the Pat’s Stone and a variety of Caddis Pupa.