Heyo, as of yesterday, WDFW opened the Snoqualmie River from the falls to the mouth is open for Coho fishing! Get out there!
Otherwise, welcome to November in Washington! Yep, it is a bit cooler than August and definitely a bit wetter. Good news for you however...fish don't care and humans have made some spectacular products to allow you to endure these changes comfortably, a bit like skiing! Enough sarcasm, while the weather obviously has turned, there is some terrific fishing to be had out there right now. Let's take a look...
Snoqualmie River and Forks - As mentioned above, the Snoqualmie mainstem is open for Coho until further notice. Please check WDFW regs for the particulars. The Forks also remain open to catch and release fly fishing but check water flows and don't expect much. If this is the easiest place to get out to for you, then go get it and if you have questions, we are ALWAYS here to bounce them off. Probably going to need to get down a bit and/or swing or strip some streamers in the structured and deeper water. While there are some trout in here that will surprise you, please keep in mind hook size. Most of the trout are not big so large hooks bring the ability to brain hook and instantly kill these trout. Nobody wants this so with streamers and larger nymphs, try to stay around size 10 at the largest.
Yakima River - Yakima is hanging on to fall for a bit longer and then winter fishing will set in. Still some BWO (Blue Winged Olive, Mayfly) hatches taking place if the weather is just right and otherwise we would HIGHLY suggest breaking out the trout spey and swinging either small streamers or soft hackles to represent those emerging BWO's. River is pretty lonely from here out and flows are exceptionally low so if you enjoy solitude and a very accessible river NOW is the time to be on the Yak. If floating, choose super short floats. Umtanum to Lmuma is a favorite as there is a ton of water to work in the shortened daylight hours.
Puget Sound - We love this time of year in our local saltwater. Kelp is disappearing quickly making fishing the floating line without a stripping basket much easier. SRC's (Sea Run Cutthroat) are doing that winter thing where they are eating Euphausiid patterns as if they are sipping emergers. Never go out without a Sound Searcher though because they do love looking up, believe it or not. We just so happen to have all our colors back in stock as well so a good time to come stock up. Chum are at the normal spots, be sure they are open with WDFW.
Steelhead - Sort of between seasons with exception of the Klickitat for late arriving summer fish. Look for winter fish to begin entering the rivers here soon as well, early winter fish come home beginning early December. Sort of a trickle but if you are a true steelheader, you lean heavy on hope and process and realize success isn't measured by the result. New to spey casting or feeling like you have hit a wall, let's get you out on the water for a private spey class so you are ready to hit the water when it is time. We can also assess your current set up with you to ensure you have the proper grain weight for the rod you are using.
Most of the rivers around here are beginning to accept Chum salmon and we have seen some very bright ones...that is what you really want BTW, a chromer, means they are fresh and will eat and fight much harder!
Cedar River - CLOSED until June. Do not poach please!
Warmwater - Not necessarily closed but probably not the greatest time of year for these species but...go for it if that is your passion, we support passions!
There it is from our window, as always, we are here to objectively answer questions for you and for the most part, there are no dumb ones, just curiosity unleashed. Have a great weekend, call, come into the NEW LOCATION, address below, message us on IG @ewaflyshop_seattle or email shop@emeraldwateranglers.com.
See you all soon, now go fish!
EWA Staff
