Happy Mother's Day! The question of the day is flies or flowers for mom this weekend?
We say BOTH! Hopefully she loves to fish or is really keen to get out there with you to fish. That being said, let's talk about where to go and what to do this coming week.
Yakima River - Fly fishing the Yakima River in the coming month or two is what so many people wait for all year and for good reason. Caddis is on top of the menu for the trout if not the entire menu. Question is always will they be eating on top this weekend? Well, hopefully and if not as actively as hoped try swinging some soft hackles across the seams or tailout runs. Otherwise come ready for those emergers sitting on top and of course just regular caddis, size 14 or so in tan or brown and plenty of floatant.
Puget Sound - OMG, just an epic season thus far on the Sound fly fishing for sea run cutthroat as well as resident silver salmon. Still seeing a lot of attention being paid to Chum fry like patterns, maybe a tad longer in profile so be stocked up on those. 2x leaders to 7-8ft in length. At the end of the day, we catch these fish on so many different flies, we usually fish what we really enjoy personally. We are simply trying to make it easier to tackle this daunting fishery with a bit more confidence for those trying to get into it.
Cedar River - CLOSED...but opening on May 23rd this year, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. It is really low for this time of year so our suggestion is get on it immediately and fish caddis or big dries right off the bat. It is likely to be extremely low by mid summer.
Warm Water - Fly fishing for bass, carp, muskie, crappie or bluegill is ideal at the moment. For trout anglers looking for something close by with good numbers of fish to help get their kids on the water or to put a big bend in a rod this is it. Why not? That is our question to people when we ask why they haven't fished lately or haven't chased these species before. So much fun, so many places to do so and the flies and presentation are different enough from most other this once again diversifies your skill set making you better when to go back to your home water. Frog, grasshopper, beetle, baby bird or mouse patterns for the bass and muskie and any other smaller poppers as well. 5wt rod for the bass and crappie will work but probably want to get into a 6-8wt for bigger bass and carp. For the muskie, you are looking at 10-11wt rods and we have some great sticks in the store just for this.
Snoqualmie Forks - Pretty high at the moment at 1100cfs and with the nice weather it may creep up a bit higher. If you know where to go, you can find some safe places to get in and get some good presentations in but be careful. Tanner Landing in North Bend is always a good location and don't forget the South Fork, usually smaller and with fewer anglers.
Steelhead - Cowlitz may have a few late straggling winter fish or super early summer fish arriving. Skykomish, Skagit, Green and the Sauk will open on the 23rd as well so it is time to trade in those Skagit heads for Scandi or Tributary heads and smaller flies...unless you are already there, then continue, please!
There we go, nice weather ahead, all fishing about to open up. No excuses not to get out on the water somewhere and wet a line.
As questions arise, and they will, call, email, text, message or facetime us...we are here for YOU!
Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mom's out there and thank you, we love you!
Fondly,
EWA Staff
206-708-7250 | shop@emeraldwateranglers.com
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