YAKIMA

Probably one of the most consistent springs in a long time.  This is due partly to the stable water we have experienced.  Most of our snow pack is above 4K and with the cooler temps we have been experiencing we just have not seen normal early pushes.  In addition our snow pack is not at 100%.  Thankfully we received some more higher elevation snow over the past week.

PREDOMINANT INSECT HATCHES INCLUDE;
Skwala, Blue Wings, March Browns, Midges, Salmon Flies, Salmon Smolt, Light Caddis

Coming soon;
Mother’s Day Caddis
Green Drakes – Late May

Nymphs
#10-12 Stonefly nymphs   Pats, Double bead Skwalas etc…
#14-18 CDC PT’s, Perdigons, CDC prince, Zebra Midge

Dry flies
#8-12  Unit Skwala, Parachute Madam X, Wersland Big Dog Stone, Chubby’s
#10-18 Royal Parachute,  Purple Haze, Parachute Blue Wings, Sparkle Duns

Clarity Chart
5 feet   Upper Proper  – Easton to Cle Elum River Confluence
6 feet Upper Flatlands – Cle Elum river Confluence e to  State Boat Launch
5 feet Upper Canyon – State Boat Launch to Diversion
5-4 feet Farmlands – Diversion to Ringer
3 feet Lower Canyon –  Ringer to Roza

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UPPER COLUMBIA

As stated in an earlier post, the lake level is as high as we have ever seen it at this time of year.  Typically Lake Roosevelt gets drawn down to 1145 at Grand Coulee.  This year they did not go below 1180.  You would think that would not have an effect on the river where we are as Grand Coulee is 160 miles away from the Upper Columbia where we fish it.  However it does.  Especially  just above and below the bridge in Northport.  Very minimal flow in that area due to the  ‘backup factor’ .  Regardless, upstream of the bridge a 1/2 mile or so the flows become prevalent.

Fishing has been worthy.  Caddis and Blue wings are the predominant bugs.  We start full swing up there in a week.

We have also incorporated another little fishery in our aresenal up in that neck of the woods….here are a few images