Here we are creeping into the last week or so of June and we absolutely promise that summer is on its way.  After 25 years of being in business one thing we have learned one thing...summer doesn't really start until July 5th around here!

Water temps still have big fluctuations to where you are going to encounter a vast array of insects hatching and at times fish being a bit lethargic from water being quite cold in the AM to being much warmer in the evening so come prepared.  If water is changing a ton throughout the week, trout may be a bit hard to find so try not to take it too personally!

Cedar River - Cedar has arrived at a great flow for this weekend so don't hesitate, get out and explore.  Caddis, swinging soft hackles and swinging streamers are all going to move fish right now.  Also, WDFW has stated they want all Shad removed from the Cedar so your Puget Sound baitfish patterns, particularly those small chartreuse ones. 

Mountain Creeks & Snoqualmie River Forks - Most of these are going to remain a bit above where we recommend exploring them but should be down and ready here soon.  Some exceptions would be smaller tribs to the Yakima and Cle Elum on the east side where snowpack has already dissipated.  Mid sized dry flies and maybe drop a small nymph off the back but they should be looking up for you.  Most of the trout in these streams, in our opinion don't warrant going into full nymph mode, we only dry fly fish these with caddis or smaller foam attractor patterns.  Small glass rod would be ideal...
EWA Mountain Creek Fly Package

Puget Sound - Bait abound!  There is so much going on out here right now it is sort of crazy.  Along the shoreline of the central Sound there is a ton of bait on the beaches and ample SRC's visibly chasing it so have both surface and subsurface patterns on hand.  Kelp is gaining momentum so this is the season, even if you fish a floating line to potentially want/need a striping basket to help manage your line. 
EWA Puget Sound Fly Package

Yakima River - Yak is in full caddis swing right now and flows, at this very moment are barely ok for most walk and wade angling so get on it while you can.  Elevated flows are coming soon where a boat will mostly be necessary to cover water but by then all of the small streams will be totally ready for you so no worries.  We highly recommend taking the trout spey over here to swing soft hackles and small streamers or, or skate a caddis or stimulator just because it is SO FUN to watch this trout come up and slam in and feel the take.  Just saying this is a pretty rad way to cover the Yak and not what most are doing so it is a presentation the fish are not accustomed/conditioned to.
EWA Yakima Trout Spey Package

Warmwater - Oh now is the time to be out chasing carp and bass, we mean literally right now is the time.  Local lakes, ponds, small east side streams the Columbia River and its tributary lakes are all just teaming with willing bass and carp.  We have a pretty good selection of flies for both species and the reason we are so amped about it is because they are fun and challenging.  2 elements of fly fishing that keep most people engaged for a lifetime and both check that box with a bold marker.  Also, we are going to see water temps in the small streams and the Yakima reach unhealthy levels for trout here soon while carp and bass thrive in these situations and goodness do they put a serious bend in your rod. 
EWA Warmwater Fly Selection

Steelhead - Rivers are open for the most part along the Sound are open for summer steelhead.  There are not a ton of them around so go at this with realistic expectations.  It could be said that if you are into a snipe hunt, this would potentially be a parallel endeavor but that won't keep the die hard two handed angler away.  If you are new to spey and are tossing a Skagit head around, this would be the time to come in and look at getting into a Scandi type head to enjoy smaller flies, floating tips, longer leaders and more elegant casts.  The Cowlitz will have some decent numbers of hatchery fish returning over the next couple months which could make the trip worthwhile.  We like small drab flies for summer run fish and look forward to when we can skate some chrome up and we are just about there.
EWA Summer Steelhead Fly Selection

There it is, mid day Saturday, plenty of time to still get out this weekend and get you some on water time.  Questions?  Call, visit us in the store or message us on social media, happy to help you with anything...within reason!

Have fun,

EWA Staff
206-708-7250
@ewaflyshop_seattle
shop@emeraldwateranglers.com