It's "Trout Snack Tuesday" a fun little them where we post a video on Instagram of one of our hot fly picks for the week. This week.... hoppers. We're seeing the nocturnal stonefly hatch soften up and the fish are quickly identifying hoppers to fill the void left by the big stoneflies. There are LOTS of fine hopper patterns but one of the most natural and effective right now is the RIO Juicy Hopper. It comes in a big variety of sizes and colors which is important, as there are lots of species of hoppers and as guides we find that certain days they like Tan vs. Olive, or Pink vs. Yellow, etc. Make sure to try a few options, especially if you have a fish swirl and refuse which they love to do! Change flies and try that fish again.
Right now on the Yakima is what most of us consider the best time to do a float trip if you love dry fly fishing. The water is up against the grassy banks making it possible for us to do long floats and do a "pitch 'n twitch" presentation against the shore line. Pitch it in... twitch it out in a lively fashioned in place of a traditional mend. The mid day hours from 11 am - 4 pm are pretty tough with straight dry flies, but the mid morning bite is picking up a bit and soon the trout will forage sporadically throughout the day, especially if it gets cloudy or smokey. Right now it's crystal clear here, so the mid-day is more challenging.
With the river at 3,810 cfs in the lower canyon, and even higher above Ellensburg the wade fishing has become damn tough. You can still get it done fishing at your feet on the grassy banks and for DIY wading I would go straight nymph or hopper/dropper. It's simply too challenging right now to cover enough water on foot for a ground assault to be effective. Nymphs are best as you can slowly work through an area and dig the fish out from the rocks. Its a super time to plan a float trip, give us a buzz and we'll do everything we can to show you the best possible adventure!
Naches and Other Fisheries
We have single angler float trips on the Naches River available and this is slightly better mid-day fishing, it's a very special trip. The water is a bit low for our big 13' rafts, but we have some really sleek little Rio Craft 2 person rafts that are awesome for a guide and a single angler. It's really a treat if you've done a lot of trips on the Yakima and want something more unique and it offers a great mix of wading and floating. Naches River Guided Trips.
Another option is fishing some of the tributaries like the Upper Cle Elum above the lake, Tieton, or Naches River system for wading. Just fish early in the day and give the fish a break in the afternoon as it heats up. All in all, lots to do!
The early morning and late evening Bass fishing at our private lake is off the hook right now for good numbers, especially on poppers and dragon flies. Amazing surface action. The Yakima has been in such good condition all spring we haven't put much pressure on these fish and it shows. Both the DIY anglers paying the rod fee and guided guests have raved about their recent fishing! Hilltop Lake Private Bass Fishing
Women's Guides and Wading Trips
Summertime is the best wade fishing of the year here on our tributaries to the Yakima River, and both Ashtyn and Shannon are ready to take you out for a fun and productive wade fishing adventure!They know the knots, they know the spots.These gals are super and especially great with anyone but especially enjoy women, couples, and even sporty kids!
Our current wading adventures are primarily on the Naches and Yakima Rivers. With Shannon living on the Naches River, she handles most our wading trips down south. This trip originates each day from the Bron Yr Aur Brewery and is about 40 minutes southwest of Red's Fly Shop. She likes to fish both the Naches and Tieton Rivers and being local, it's just a fun trip as she's so familiar with the area.
Ashtyn lives in Ellensburg, and although she does fish and guide the Naches her primary beat is the Upper Cle Elum River. It's upstream of the big lake and a classic mountain stream with some of the best dry fly fishing for multiple trout species. We catch Rainbows, Cutthroat, and even a few Brookies up there. Red's holds USFS permits for both watersheds allowing us some access to less pressured water. For our trips on the Upper Cle Elum River, we like to meet in Roslyn and head out from there.
Give us a call or email dallas@redsflyshop.com to setup a trip!
Vehicle Shuttle Service
We move cars, not bodies. Just choose your float, leave us a key and we will valet your rig from the launch point to take-out.
While the chart is only a "prediction", it is based on historical data, weather forecasts, current weather, current snow-pack etc. You can use this to get a rough idea of how the river is going to react to predicted rainfall, run-off, etc.
I’d like to see if it would be possible to set up a personalized fishing trip. I recently purchased a new flyfishing raft setup and I’d like to take a rowing lesson in it. Ideally I’d like to setup a guided trip for me and my best friend using my raft (if possible). Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back.
Tom
Joe Rotter - April 25, 2022
RE: Smolt Pushes – Great question! We feel your pain. There isn’t a very good line of communication from the operators on when they plan to push, but we do have a contact there that has given us a heads up a time or two. I’ll see if can get on a regular notification and share it here.
Joe Anderson - April 19, 2022
Is there any information regarding water releases for the “smolt pushes”. I would like to think that they could do these on a somewhat regular basis or give some sort of warning. As a weekend warrior with a 3+ hour drive (one way) it would be great to be able to predict when these increased flows will occur.
Aaron - April 18, 2022
All time March brown hatch in the canyon today!
Rafael Amilca Salado - February 18, 2022
Thanks Joe! I’ll be sure to stop by on in tomorrow unless Boston continues to get more delays & cancellations. : (
Joe Rotter - February 6, 2022
Bob, great question! Most all the takeouts are good for pontoon boats depending on how close you need to get to the river. For full sized drift boats or trailer access, just avoid Mahres and Big Pines downstream of Red’s. Other than that, you are all good!
Bob Conley - February 5, 2022
what put in/take out ramps are snow free enough for my one man pontoon? Suggestions appreciated for put in take out points for 3-4 hour float this week. thanks!
Joe Rotter - February 4, 2022
Hi Wes, I think you’ll be in great shape. The river is low and clear now. We do have a PILE of snow in the low valleys but the extended forecast suggests stable weather.
Joe Rotter - February 4, 2022
Hi Rafael, there is no better place to start than Red’s Fly Shop. Within a few minutes of the shop you can be wade fishing on public water right here in the scenic Canyon section. Just come on in and chat with the crew here, we’ll help you out!
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