- Joe Rotter, Red's Fly Shop
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
SPRING SKWALA HATCH
Experience the magic of fly fishing the Yakima River Canyon during the elusive Skwala Stonefly Hatch—a unique adventure every angler should try. This early-season hatch offers the rare chance to target hungry trout on dry flies, but conditions can be unpredictable, making each day on the water an exciting challenge. With our guided float trips, you’ll explore the canyon’s rugged beauty and fish prime runs while maximizing your chances to connect with rising trout. Whether the trout are sipping dries or holding deeper, our guides will adapt to ensure an unforgettable springtime experience on Washington’s premier Blue Ribbon river.
Cost & Trip Details
- Skwala Special: $499 (1 or 2 Anglers), March 1st - March 31st *includes lunch
Other Yakima River Guided Trips:
- Full Day Trip: $649 (1 or 2 Anglers), March 1st - Nov. 15th *includes lunch
- Half Day Trip: $479 (1 or 2 Anglers), March 1st - Nov. 15th
- Winter Rate: $349 (1 or 2 Anglers) , Nov. 16th - Feb. 28th
- Single Angler Full Day Trip: $499, March 1st - Nov. 15th *includes lunch
- Prices are based on double occupancy.
- A 3rd Angler may be added to the boat for an additional $175
Yakima River Winter Trips Include:
- Flies, tippet, and small tackle items
- Fly Rods and Reels (bring your own if you have it)
- Shuttle service while fishing in the Yakima Canyon
- Non-alcoholic Beverages
- Waders and boots available for rent
"Chasing the Skwala hatch in early spring is more than fishing—it's a leap of faith into the season's first promise, where patient casts meet cautious rises, and the river begins to awaken with life."
SKWALA HATCH STRATEGIES
Catching trout during the Skwala hatch requires flexibility and awareness of the conditions. On cooler days when the hatch is sparse, nymphing is your best bet. Drift a Skwala nymph imitation through likely holding water—deep runs, seams, and pocket water—where trout wait for stoneflies to tumble downstream. Pair a weighted nymph with a smaller dropper to cover different depths and improve your odds. On warmer days, when the hatch is more active, switch to dry flies to mimic the adult stoneflies skittering on the surface. Focus on slower-moving water near banks and eddies, where trout rise opportunistically. A stealthy approach and careful presentation are key, as these fish can be cautious when feeding on the surface. Adapt to the river’s cues, and you’ll increase your chances of hooking into spring’s first big trout.
WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO PREPARE
Join us for a 6-hour guided trip in March or early April, the perfect time to experience the excitement of the Skwala stonefly hatch. Flexibility and awareness are key to success during this early-season opportunity. On cooler days when the hatch is less active, nymphing is your go-to strategy. Drift a Skwala nymph imitation through deep runs, seams, and pocket water where trout lie in wait for tumbling stoneflies. Pair a weighted nymph with a smaller dropper to cover varying depths effectively.
On warmer days, the hatch comes alive, and trout turn their attention to the surface. This is when dry flies become indispensable, mimicking the adult stoneflies skittering across slower-moving water near banks and eddies. A delicate presentation and careful approach will help fool these selective fish. Whether nymphing or casting dries, adapting to the river’s conditions will increase your chances of connecting with spring’s hungry, hard-fighting trout.
The Red's Fly Shop Guide Team
We are unapologetic about proclaiming the prowess and professionalism of our fly shop staff and guides. Between our shop staff and subcontractor guides we have approximately 30 team members. Their blend of ambition, competitiveness, kindness, fishing skill, work ethic, and patience are like no crew we've ever seen. Our staff is the ultimate team. This means teaching each other, sharing secret fly patterns, insider fishing reports, and helping our other guides on the river get into more fish.
Red's has been at this for a long time and putting together a franchise like this was no accident. We look for talent, character, unique skills, and a strong sense of "customer first" attitude. We're here to serve the customer. That's our mission.
Deposit and Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made by the customer less than 72 hours from the start time, will forfeit 50% of the total cost. If you cancel more than 72 hours from the start time, you may reschedule or request a refund minus 5%. Cancellations within 24 hours or failure to show will forfeit 100% of the trip cost. If Red's decides to cancel the event due to adverse conditions the customer may request a full refund.
Testimonials
did a solo angler float yesterdaywithColtonand wanted to reach out today in order to thank the shop and everyone involvedwithproviding another kick ass experience! It was my secondtripwithColton, and he was awesome. My tripwith him was a few weeks ago, and by the end of the day it was obvious he was an ideal guide—mellow but down to fish hard, phenomenal attitude about fishing, conservation, and life in general, great customer service skills, superior on the oars and adjusting to my erratic drifts, and extremely strong teaching skills. I walked away thinking I’d definitely do another day with him if the opportunity presents.
Chris F. - Seattle, WA
To elaborate, Eric N was our guide. He was very professional, feeling us out before we put in to assess our experience level. We really broke the ice when he was rigging us up and I asked if he tied the worm pattern, which lead to a geek out about fly tying. Eric was very personable and easy going, handled his boat well, and worked hard to put us on fish. We had a great time on Thursday - smallest fish netted was 15" ... lot's of really healthy big bows and only one whitey. Would happily fish with Eric any time. Thanks to you and Dallas for lining us up with him. P.S. - he also ties great flies that fish as good as they look!
John S. - Canyon River Ranch, WA
Just wanted to reach out and let you that our recent trip was absolutely fabulous. We were fortunate enough to be guided by your crew and the time they took to teach and instruct my 10 year old son was a masterclass in kindness and patience. This was his first river float experience and he had a blast!! I’ve been on a fewtrips but I’m still learning and “dialing it in” and he was just as helpful to me. Your team are excellent ambassadors of your shop andguideservice. We visit the area almost every year at this time and I know we’ll be back to go fishing with you all again.
Scott C. - Seattle, WA
My wife and I fished all day with Jackon on Thursday of this last week. Jack started our day with a brief tutorial on fishing and what to expect throughout the day. Very well done. As a person (stranger) we enjoyed Jack's company very much. As a fishing guide that got us into the fish, Jackwas amazing. We had a truyly epic day of fishing. We believe we caught 15 or so beautiful trout, half of which were 17-19 inches. I have friends that live on the Yakima and fish it often, they were impressed. We have pictures to prove it. From the time we made our reservation to the end of the day with Jack we have no suggestions on how to make the experience better. Our day on the River with Jack was a perfect 10. Thank you very much.
Rolly and Loretta - Seattle, WA