Our flows have steady and are currently around ~3,200 CFS. Our summer flows have been consistent but expect them to drop in the next couple weeks. Our flip-flop is around the corner. This is when the dams reduce their releases and typically happens around Labor day.

With higher water temps think about making some changes to your fishing. Carry a thermometer and check water temps, consider stopping when they 70. Leave the 7x at home. Fight fish hard to bring them in quick, you can pull very hard on fish with 4x or even 5x without breaking your line. Most trout should not take over a minute to land, and for their survival in warm water it is important to keep fights under that minute mark. Don't do a grip and grin, get creative and take your pictures with the fish in the water. 

Fishing can be good during the day but will be mostly a nymphing game. Mid afternoon fishing has been slow, and will continue to be slow with high water temps, but fish can still be caught. Contact nymphing can be effective in pockets and turbulent water, even during this time. If you are fishing dry flies in the daylight focus on structure. The fish are tight to the banks, under submerged trees, and around boulders. The closer to the bank the better when casting. If you can't make it that far try landing your fly in front and right on the edge of boulders and over fallen trees. They will be in shade, under cover, and tucked close to anything that hides them from predators and the heat. 

Anglers are still getting fish on stoneflies, on top and underwater, and we are seeing  caddis coming off and laying eggs at night. Even if you don't see stoneflies on the surface don't be afraid to tie on a big dry!  The trout are keyed on hoppers and stones right now and expect to see them coming past. Caddis are a great choice right now too, splashy rises at dusk often indicating feeding activity on emerging pupa. Mayfly spinners at last light can produce as well. 

Our water temperatures are starting to hit 70 and with air temps remaining high through the day and night we have begun a hoot owl closure. This is a voluntary closure and not required of recreational anglers, but is worth thinking about as an individual. As heavy users of this resource we feel it is necessary to limit our impact as best we can, so we choose to not fish when it can be harmful to the fishery. Additionally trout fishing slows greatly in 70+ degree water. Expect slow fishing and poor fighting fish as well if fishing in 70+ degree water but they can be caught. 

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. After a few days of water temps in the 70's there is a good chance that trout are unable to rest and purge the lactic acid from their system--killing the fish. A fish swimming off strong is never a true indication that they will survive the release, and this is doubly true in warm water.

Our water outlook for the season is still 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 caddis 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 and hoppers.

Wading vs. Floating

At approximately 3,500 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!