While it isn't technically winter yet, it has certainly felt so in many ways.  Short daylight, frosty mornings and quite a bit of snow in places.  All of this means the variety we love so much about summer fishing pulls back a bit and we are left with fewer choices of places to fish but, these are still very good choices this time of year. 

Here is where our attention is for the next couple weeks and months.

Puget Sound - Yes, this fishery comes alive this time of year even though much of what is written sort of says otherwise.  Sea Run Cutthroat (SRC) are sipping small shrimp patterns looking very trout like in the saltwater.  Smaller tippet size, 3x with a loop knot and potentially a little longer than normal for out here, 8-9ft and a VERY slow retrieve.  These food forms do not evade predation like baitfish which is why the eats are so subtle.  We have some unique to EWA flies for this, come in and see us or buy an EWA Winter Sound Fly Selection and we will ship it to you.  Did we mention the shorter days?  Well with this fishery in the backyard of several million people, this should be your go to in the winter.  Shorter drive, easy access in tons of places and as we always say, "It will make you a better angler!" 

Winter Steelhead - While most of the world has focused its attention on March and April, those who have lived and breathed steelhead for the past 40+ years know they used to arrive NOW in many of our Puget Sound, west side and coastal rivers.  While not in the numbers they once were, not even close, some do still come in and thus you will not only find a needle in the haystack but will do so nearly alone because few others are out there right now.  Skykomish, Skagit, Sauk, Hoh, Cowlitz, Kalama and others.  Spey casting on many of these rivers is not essential but once you see the ease by which you can cover these larger watersheds you will understand why so many employ them around here.  Water is in the low 40's for the most part and pretty low considering so if you are throwing a Skagit or Torrent head, we would be putting a T10-T14 on there for you.  Water is pretty clear at this moment too so smaller more drab flies would be our choice but what do we know, only been at this for again, 40+ years!  Kidding but also not, fly selection is a part of the subjectivity of the sport that either endears it to or frustrates the crap out of you.  It's OK, that is a part of learning and becoming more comfortable out there, we are here to assist.

Don't know how to spey cast yet?  Take a Private Spey Class with us and we will elevate your game immediately.  They are $100 and we take that off when you buy a rod/reel/line package from us.  Also, please check regulations as they change often to ensure legality.

Yakima River - Open all year and at this time, flows are generally very low so this is a good time to take advantage of walk and wading the river because you can cover so much.  When the water is low and cold, the fish will be bunched together more so you don't need to cover as much water in your day.  Trout spey is also an amazing way to cover this river this time of year.  Our EWA staff uses 3-4wt trout spey rods, mostly because they will turn over streamers a bit better as well as heavier polyleaders for sub surface presentation of soft hackles.  Otherwise, if watching the bobber, stonefly nymphs, Lightning Bugs, Copper Johns, small bead head pheasant tails would all be good choices.  Pick up our EWA Yakima River Fly Assortment, arranged seasonally for you.

There it is, 3 enticing places to go wet a line right now.  There still exists this idea that you need to pay for knowledge when at a fly shop.  We only know this because we hear about it all the time from customers...so sorry!  That is not the case here, we are an open book for you as we should be as your local fly shop.  Ask all questions, we will try to read between the lines and give you more than you asked for.

11th Annual EWA Spey Day is coming - January 25, 2025 - Snoqualmie River - Fall City Bridge - 9am-3pm - FREE

Happy Holidays everyone, we look forward to seeing you soon,

EWA Staff