TIP OF THE WEEK: FISHING THE WATER WHEELS BEHIND BOULDERS

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Every year I anxiously await mid-May for the best nymphing we see on the river.  As soon as our rainbow trout come off the spawn, they are in major need of replenishing their body weight and regaining their strength. It is at this time that our big fish move into the more oxygenated places in the river where they can gorge on nymphs and regain their strength. Boulders provide all the aspects they need at this time… food, oxygen and cover from predators. It’s a great place for a fish to hold but a tough place for an angler to fish. The bigger fish tend to hold tight right in the water wheel where the food is flowing right to them. The best way to nymph in these water wheels is tight-lining(euronymphing).

Euronymphing allows us to cast our flies directly downstream of the boulders to get our nymphs down quick and in the wheels.  However, we do need to give a quick and I mean QUICK second to allow our nymphs to enter the wheel.  The best way to do this is to bring our rod tip up over our nymphs (remember we are fishing just 15-20 ft above us) trying to stay in contact while we do, and then bring the rod quickly back downstream of our nymphs to get the lead on the flies.  This technique has allowed us to get the bigger fish holding tight to the boulders.

SUMMARY: 

Targeting behind boulders in late spring is one of the most productive ways to fish in late spring.  The best way to do this is using a euronymphing rig and tightlining nymphs in the water wheels behind boulders. 

UPCOMING COURSES TO HIGHLIGHT 

EURONYMPHING IS ON FIRE RIGHT NOW.  THE ABSOLUTE BEST TIME TO LEARN. Spring is a great time to learn a new technique.  Euro nymphing Fishalongs will remain on fire and the best way to target fish before the sun goes beyond the ridge in the late afternoon.  Our Intro and Fishalongs will get you dialed in! 

ENTIRE COURSE CALENDAR HERE 

The fish have moved off the spawn and are starting to devour nymphs and dries.  Spring, with the whole season ahead of us, is the BEST time to sign-up for one of our tuition programs and truly learn how to be a self-guided angler.  Our University of Fly Fishing is the most unique, comprehensive fly fishing education available.    

With current flows, now is a perfect time to float the Yakima in a personal watercraft!  You can learn how to best use a PWC in one of our PWC Fishalongs! They are one of my favorite classes to teach!  

• June 5th              Trout Spey
• June 6th              Tributary Fishalong
• June 7th              Yakima River Fishalong
• June 8th              Fly Fishing 101/201
• June 9th              Fly Fishing 301
• June 11th            Euronymphing Fishalong