YAKIMA

Bugs include
#10 Skwala Sones but fading
#12 – 14 March Browns  Sporadic but present
#16 – 18 Blue Wings

Coming Soon
#14 American Grannom Caddis
#6 Salmon Flies
#12 Flying Ants

The March brown hatch is a bit sporadic and being in the right place at the right time is very important .  The bright sun has not been helpful.  The trout are definitely in spawn mode as well this month.

There are a few Skwala Stones here and there but they are fading.

Water temps are ranging between 46-50 depending on time of day and stretch of river.  Mother’s day caddis is just around the corner and we should see that kick into gear at that 53 degree mark.

Hot bugs recently
#12-16 Pheasant tail variations
#6-8 Pats Stone in Black and Brown
#6-10 Sparkle Minnow
#12-16 Purple Haze, Thorax March Brown

Upper Columbia

Lake Roosevelt in very high for this time of year, which definitely affects the lower portion of the American Reach – This is the new norm on the Upper Columbia.

This time of year the predominant technique is swinging flies.  There are A Variety of patterns one can choose from….Including Wooly buggers, Sculpins, Stoneflies etc.

There is minimal dry fly activity but there are opportunities…..Typically they are eating Blue Wing Olives.

Nymphing is certainly an option and generally worthy in isolated zones utilizing tandem nymph set ups of a Stonefly and a dropper.  Droppers could include, CDC Pt’s,  Princes, Brassies…. etc….