Our flows have steady and currently around 3,450 CFS out of Cle Elum. These higher summer flows have been remarkably consistent and are keeping trout exactly where you'd expect—tight against the banks in soft water where they're easy to target with the right presentation. Fishing has been best early morning and late evenings if you are looking to fish dry flies. Anglers are putting in around 5am and/or fishing late to 9:30pm to find the best fishing. Fish can be caught during the daylight hours but it is a subsurface game.

Our water temperatures are starting to climb especially during the middle of the day. We are not there yet (and hoping to not get there) but we would not be surprised to start hoot owl closures in the next couple weeks. Hoot owl closures are closures on trout fishing after 2pm. At 70 degrees water contains too little oxygen for trout to properly rest after a stressful fight and release. Even if a trout swims off in hot water, there is a good chance they are unable to rest and purge the lactic acid from their system--killing the fish.

Again we are not currently in hoot owl territory, but carry a thermometer. If you notice the water is reaching 68 degrees start to wrap up your session if there is still heat left in the day.  

Anglers are still getting fish on stoneflies, on top and underwater, and we are seeing mayflies and caddis coming off and laying eggs at night. While most anglers are concentrating on stoneflies we are finding success on all three bugs. Even if you don't see stoneflies on the surface don't be afraid to tie on a big dry! Trout are keyed in on large meals on the surface right now. Think Chubbies, PMDS, and Pat's, and consider trying some darker colored (black/purple) hoppers or Chubbies. Your standard attractor patterns are also still working under the surface like a Red Tag, Perdigon, or Duracell. Try a hopper dropper with a Chubby on top and size 18-14 Red Tag underneath if stumped on where to go!

Our water outlook for the season is still a looking solid! Reservoir storage across the Yakima Basin is currently roughly 150,000 acre-feet higher than it was this time last year. While we're still just below the long-term historical average, it's excellent news for anglers. Expect healthy flows to stick around throughout the summer, keeping trout positioned along the banks and providing the kind of consistent conditions both fish and anglers love.

Where the Trout Will Be

The most productive water continues to be:

• Outside bends and cutbanks
• Soft seams along fast banks
• Current breaks behind structure
• Shallow water tight against grassy shorelines
• Eddies and softer pockets along the bank

Tactics That Matter Right Now

• Fish large stonefly and mayfly dries early and late in the day.

• During midday, switch to a dry-dropper setup or a short-leash nymph rig.

• Cloud cover can extend dry fly opportunities well into the afternoon.

• Focus on accurate casts tight to the bank, especially when fishing stoneflies.

Wading vs. Floating

At approximately 3,450 CFS, the Yakima is still on the high side for wading. While there are certainly places to get out and fish, wading should be approached cautiously. As a general rule, stay in water below knee height and avoid crossing fast current. Floating remains the most effective way to cover water and access productive holding lies.

We have GREAT water storage in the reservoir network right now, at this time we have +/- 150,000 acre/feet more than last year at this time. While it's slightly below the historic average, it should make for high flows all summer long. Just the way the trout and the anglers like it!