View this report on our Youtube Channel as well:

https://www.youtube.com/@emeraldwateranglers

Let's begin today's report with a little bit about our recent tarpon trip to Nicaragua.  We have an extensive, thoughtfully curated fly fishing travel program here at EWA and our recent adventure was to Tapam Lodge in Nicaragua.  

My oh my...I don't think I have been in the presence of this many huge tarpon in one place at the same time in decades.  Bill Crawford is 6'6" and this fish was over 180 cm and was the smallest of the big ones we landed last week.  Broken rods, broken lines, opened up Owner hooks...it all happened. We are headed back in 2028 if interested let us know, this place was incredible.

Okay, on the the local stuff.  

It is all open for the most part.  Elwhah remains closed so don't ask.  Otherwise all Puget Sound rivers are back and ready to chase summer steelhead and trout.  Sound, Yak, Cedar, Green and all the lakes are just waiting for you.  

Here is the one thing I want everyone to keep in mind.  We had a terrible snow year and the result is going to be very low, warm water later in the summer so get out now.  Here is an example for you...

Cedar River - Cedar as I write this is at 450cfs where it's mean average is well over 700cfs.  We have seen it open over 1000cfs in the past so as an indicator river, this doesn't look good.  That said, those who have already been playing on it are seeing good sized trout on dry flies already.  Caddis, stonefly patterns, Stimulator's and other attractors have all produced.  Wading at 450 still has some places you need to be careful and the river as always is slippery so don't be shy about a wading staff, cleat up if necessary and if this is a new fishery for you, please come in or call and ask, we will happily point you in the right direction.

Yakima River - Full On Caddis!  River did a quick dip to just below 2000cfs which is perfect flows for this time of year.  River structure is still visible creating more seams and runs to work.  Wading in many places remains pretty good and fish are hangry.  Our favorite method we see few using this time of year...skating caddis!  Yep, riffle hitch a caddis on the top, put on a long leader and either single swing or get that trout spey out and skate those caddis across tailouts or deep runs.  A fun way to cover water particularly for those who maybe didn't get their itch completely scratched this winter chasing steelhead.  Streamers of course, our second favorite way to cover water and a skill you can hone well over here in Puget Sound.  It isn't an easy skill to master on moving water, especially from a boat.  Single greatest way to improve is a casting lesson.  Anyway, the Yak is alive so get after it!

Puget Sound - Out yesterday and the water was glorious!  I know this sounds a bit strange but as we get into this time of year with high sun and blue skies, we actually welcome a bit of a breeze to disturb the water surface.  This prevents light penetrating as intensely making SRC's feel a bit more comfortable and many of the smaller food forms from migrating to deeper water.  Fished the surface for the 3-4 hours we were out yesterday.  Landed 2, missed at least a dozen just not paying attention to my fly in the water.  Some bigger sea run cutthroat were around too, a few well over 18 inches clearing the water within striking distance.  Plenty of bait scattered around as well still so if a long drive isn't in the cards, the Sound awaits!

Steelhead - Our wonderful state fish is back on the playbook for the summer.  Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Green and Cowlitz should all be ready as we speak.  We are a bit early for when we would expect to see summer fish really arriving but there are always a few early adopters and certainly some late arrivals from the winter season.  We have seen big winter fish in early June on the Sky before and the only way, as you know to see if they are there is to go fish for them.  You can switch over to summer fly patterns and Scandi heads at any time in our opinion, particularly this season with the low water.  However, if smaller winter intruders are where your confidence lies then please, go for it.  Questions?  ASK!!!!

Lakes and Warmwater - Carp, bass, Muskie and panfish are all ready for you.  We realize many of these come with less cultural enthusiasm than a West Slope Cutthroat or Clarki Clarki from the Sound but if it is a bent rod you desire and doing so close to home, these are your ticket.  Green Lake, Lake Tapps, Lake Alice, Lake Ballinger, Phantom Lake, Beaver Lake, Rattlesnake Lake...the list just goes on and on around here.  Some of these have trout as well so get your chironomid game on or just belly boat around a fuzzy wooley bugger.  Callibaetis should be here anytime on eastern lakes as well as Damsel's.  If you haven't fished a Damselfly hatch you haven't fished!  Watching trout stalk these flies as they descend to the water is stalking stalkers!  Be around long enough and you will witness trout come WAY out of the water to snatch these and Dragonflies out of mid air, unwilling to wait for them to settle on the water's surface.  As always nymph forms of them are always good to have as well when they aren't looking up quite yet.

Urban fishing is really a bonus for those who live in the city.  Once the rod is in your hand, generally the focus becomes quite poignant on the task and what surrounds you is secondary.  We fish everything here at EWA so come by and let's figure out a new fishery to send you to.

Summer is no different for us, we are here to help you find your way on the water around Seattle, the PNW or the world so come see us.  

Have a great weekend...

EWA Staff
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