The Mid-summer is here and the Yakima is holding steady above 3,000 cfs—prime time for floating, but not ideal for wading. Drift boats are essential right now, and having an experienced guide on the sticks makes all the difference in navigating swift currents and dialing in those productive mid-river seams and boulder pockets. Fish have been found on and off the bank, look for structure such as boulders or logs to find resting fish.
We’re on the tail end of the Summer Stonefly hatch, and while dry fly action hasn’t been as hot as in past years, the window is still there for the dedicated angler. Focus your dry fly efforts in the first and last hour of light, or when cloud cover softens the sun. Midday? Switch to nymphs and streamers. Dropping a heavy rig off the bank or working deeper structure is your best bet to find some steady action.
Red's is expected to go into a voluntary hoot owl in the coming weeks as temps continue to rise. For now, stay sharp, stay cool, and don’t overlook those shady, off-bank boulder pockets, they’ve been holding fish
The Naches has dropped into ideal wading shape, and the cutthroat are on the feed. Small to mid-sized terrestrials are getting crushed in riffles, pockets, and along shady banks, much like the Yak, earlier the better as low water levels heat fast. Float season is pretty much in the rearview, the water’s too skinny for safe drifts, but guided wade trips are still a fantastic way to experience this wild, remote river. If you want to cover water, find sneaky holding lies, and enjoy classic freestone fishing with eager fish and zero crowds, now’s the time.
Need something totally different? Bass are on the menu. Largemouth are active at Hilltop Lake, our private oasis, and Smallmouth season is in swing on an unnamed river we won’t mention here (because it’s too good). If you’re looking to shake things up, email dallas@redsflyshop.com to check for available Smallmouth dates.
Bottom line? Flows are up, bugs are out, and the fishing’s only going to get better in the coming weeks. Pick your target, book your trip, and let’s go fishing.
