Skagit River Archives - Emerald Water Anglers

Seattle Fly Fishing Report – June 22, 2020 – The Time is NOW!

June 22, 2020 by adminewa Leave a Comment

Welcome to summer! We have seen an incredible insurgence of new fly angling interest over the past few months and why not? If done in the way we enjoy doing it, it is the epitome of social distancing outdoors. Long expanse of beach to yourself, intimate mountain creeks or long classic steelhead runs to swing your new spey rod through.

Well, summer is here but water levels are still a bit high. Water is in good shape clarity wise on many rivers but the creeks are still big and cold. As of now, best bet is Yakima River from a boat though that is going to inflate a bit for the summer so we recommend Google Earth and WA Fishing Regs book. Find some small streams you haven’t heard mentioned in the airwaves, see what is close to you and go check it out. Some will likely be tough with over hanging flora but others may surprise you.

Skykomish, Skagit and Sauk are in good shape flow wise and not really on most peoples radar so these are great options to consider. As we move into the summer season with low water, we encourage transitioning from those winter Skagit heads into more elegant, fun to cast Rage or Scandi heads. These simply come off the rod tip with more ease, feel smooth and generate beautiful loop shapes. If you happen to have an older, longer spey rod gathering dust, maybe give one of the Bridge Long Belly spey lines a try and see what spey really is. Come in and ask away, we are pretty into this stuff!

If you have tried to fish the Sound recently, you have possibly noticed a significant increase in kelp, maybe even a frustrating level of increase. 2 suggestions to help mitigate this issue.

1. Intermediate line or shooting head/beach line such as the Airflo Beach. Helps get below some of that kelp for a better fly presentation.

2. A stripping basket. We have 4 great options at different price points in the store, come by and check out the differences and pick up the one that suits you.

Have fun out there everyone and remember, we are here to help you be successful in, on and around the water.

G.Loomis IMX PRO Short-Spey Rod Review

January 3, 2018 by Caldwell Rohrbach 1 Comment

From the moment you pick up the IMX Pro 7 11’11” you know this rod is different. It redefines lightweight while also maintaining a strong enough rod to turn big fish in heavy water. Where I used to think a 13′ 7wt and a 9′ 8wt with a single hand skagit line were the perfect quiver on a number of Washington rivers, I now think the compact modern “Short Spey” will take the place of both.

This is the first short spey of it’s kind and I do differentiate this from other switch rods. THIS IS NOT A SWITCH ROD! This is the next generation of Spey rods that marry’s the feel of a 13′ rod with the fast action necessary of modern short skagit heads.

The first time I cast this rod was with a 480 grain Skagit Scout line (18.5′) and 44lb Impact mono running line and there wasn’t a situation this rod struggled with. We fished the Deschutes for two day’s in high water and cast a number of tips effortlessly including: 10′ Flo Tips in the t-10 and t-14 ranges as well as straight sections up to 12’ in t-10 and t-14. We battled high winds as well as cold temperatures and were able to feel a few nice tugs on the end of our line. (Since that trip, I have enjoyed fishing the 480 grain Skagit Switch line, just a foot longer than the Scout at 19.5’.

When you cast this rod, you seem to forget how compact it is until you find yourself tucked under overhanging trees and wading deep, tight against the bank.

The other thing you can’t seem to believe is the price of this rod. Compared to other rods in excess of $1000, this rod excels. For $575, this rod is a home run and one that I can’t wait to get out and fish. A component I typically overlook on other spey rods is the reel seat. However, on this one you are drawn in by its modern looks, sleek design, and smoothness.

For those gearing up for our winter run fish, the 7wt is the perfect addition to your existing lineup or a single rod quiver for the new spey angler.

As for trout spey, I think you can stop searching once you land on the IMX Pro 4wt 11’11”. This rod has all the power you could want but still has some major play when fighting a fish. For those searching for the lightest rod, that can still throw big streamers and heavy sink tips, the 3wt can be another great option. Karlie Roland prefers the 3wt.

As for the con’s associated with this rod, it is hard to come by. We literally cant keep these on the shelf. If there was one thing that I had to change, it would be the bottom grip, I prefer a slightly larger knob but that is one that you quickly forget once fishing! GLoomis knocked this one out of the park.

Other lines we enjoy on the IMX Pro 7 11’11”: Skagit Switch G2 510, Rage Compact 450, Scandi Compact 450

Karlie: 3wt 270 Scout, 225 OPST Commando

Give us a call with any more questions or feel free to stop by the shop to see for yourself 206.708.7250.

Photo’s and text: Caldwell Rohrbach

In 1969, the steelhead was declared Washington’s official “state fish.”

February 3, 2014 by adminewa Leave a Comment

Somehow this seems to mean nothing to people. In general, when an object or living species is recognized as a iconic figure of a country, region or state, it is extremely rare if not never something of human manipulation or recreation. Yet here we are living in a state where the steelhead is quickly becoming just that, known more as a hatchery born and originated brat that the magnificent wild creature it became on its own.

Here is the latest on what might impact next years wild steelhead season here in Puget Sound:

Wild Versus Hatchery

Lawsuit Threatened Over Largest Hatchery Steelhead Program In Puget Sound

The Wild Fish Conservancy last week served notice that it, unless changes are made within the next 60 days, will sue the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for allowing what the conservation groups says are the illegal outplantings of so-called Chambers Creek hatchery steelhead in a variety of western Washington streams.

The Conservancy says that the outplantings of domesticated hatchery fish pose risk to wild stocks that are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The hatchery fish are intended for harvest.

Since the 2007 listing of Puget Sound steelhead, WDFW steelhead hatchery programs that employ Chambers Creek stock have continued to operate without permission from the NOAA Fisheries Service, the conservation group says. The Chambers Creek fish are produced at numerous WDFW facilities across Washington.

“The science is definite in that the planting of these domesticated hatchery fish is detrimental to protected wild fish,” said Kurt Beardslee, executive director of Wild Fish Conservancy. “Any release of Chambers Creek hatchery steelhead should be prohibited as incompatible with the recovery of wild Puget Sound steelhead and the perpetuation of their legacy.

“But at the very least any existing hatchery program must operate with an appropriate permit from NOAA Fisheries.”

Recent research in the Skagit River watershed confirms that Chambers Creek hatchery steelhead are mating with wild steelhead, according to the conservation group. The offspring of hatchery steelhead and wild steelhead are substantially less likely to survive in the wild, further depressing the already low numbers of wild steelhead.

The Skagit research is the latest of a growing number of studies that have concluded that the planting of domesticated hatchery steelhead has adverse effects on the health and resilience of wild steelhead, according to the Conservancy. The hatchery steelhead program of the Skagit River watershed is the largest in the Puget Sound region.

The conservation group says that, because juvenile hatchery steelhead are far larger than their wild counterparts, they prey on the juveniles of listed salmonids, compete for food, and attract predators. Hatchery facilities that block habitat and degrade water quality also cause problems for wild fish.

“WDFW has a split mandate between providing fishing opportunities and protecting wild steelhead,” Beardslee said. “Ironically, what one hand of WDFW gives, the other takes away: the publically funded fish hatcheries undermine the publically funded wild fish recovery efforts, such as habitat restoration. Fully recovered wild steelhead populations would fulfill both mandates.

The 60-day notice says that, despite that recognition, wild Puget Sound steelhead populations have declined precipitously over the past 30 years: the average region-wide abundance between 1980 and 2004 was less than 4 percent of what it was in 1900. Since being listed as threatened under the ESA in 2007, Puget Sound wild steelhead abundance has continued to decline.

The recent five-year average is less than 3 percent of what it was in 1900. In 2010, scientists from the regional science center of the NOAA Fisheries Service concluded “in our opinion. Chambers Creek steelhead have no role in the recovery of native Puget Sound steelhead.”

The unpermitted Chambers Creek steelhead hatchery programs are the sole subject of the 60-day notice letter, because rather than aiding wild steelhead, these programs harm wild steelhead and prevent their recovery, the conservation group says.

New Drift Boat? Wild Steelhead Coalition Has One For You!

October 5, 2012 by adminewa

If you are of the philanthropic nature, are in the market for a sweet new driftboat, have some extra cash laying around and LOVE steelhead…then this might just be for you.

The legendary Skagit River in northwest Washington is a large, glacier-fed river that winds its way through the Cascade Mountains before emptying into Puget Sound. World-renowned for its steelhead fishing, the Skagit was once home to wild steelhead runs in the tens of thousands, and is the birthplace of many fly-fishing techniques anglers use today. While its runs have diminished over time, the Skagit still boasts wild steelhead that often eclipse the magical 20-pound mark. In an effort to preserve this pristine river and protect its remaining steelhead, Orvis has partnered with the Wild Steelhead Coalition (WSC) and driftboat builder Ross Duncan to bring to you a unique conservation opportunity.

Orvis and the WSC will be auctioning off a one-of-a-kind McKenzie-style driftboat, hand-built by master craftsman Ross Duncan. The 17-foot custom wood driftboat is constructed with BS1088 marine plywood and white oak, and is a hybrid of traditional McKenzie framed boat and stitch-and-glue construction. Secured with System 3 epoxies, 3M 5200 adhesive, and over 300 stainless steel screws, the boat is set up with two fixed-position swivel pedestal seats—fore and aft for fly fishing or side drifting—with an adjustable-position rower’s bench rope seat. The rower’s seat is adjustable plus-or-minus 10 inches, with four different oar lock positions, and the Sawyer Cobra oar locks are set in machined derlin bushings. The bottom of the boat is coated with a high-density poly-urea coating, and the interior and hull are painted with water-based epoxy and polyurethane. The bow and chine batten are protected with 1/8-inch thick stainless steel rub stripes. The boat comes complete with 9-foot MXG Sawyer counterbalanced oars, Lee-Lock side-mount anchor system, and a painted trailer with LED lights.

The retail value of a boat of this quality would be well over $12,000. Bidding will start at $5,000 and all proceeds will go toward WSC habitat restoration and steelhead research projects on the Skagit River. The WSC will deliver the boat free-of-charge anywhere within the states of Washington and Oregon; however, should the winning bid be from elsewhere, the winner will be responsible for shipping costs. Bids can be placed online at http://auctions.orvis.com, and the bidding will close at 11:59 PM ET on October 30, 2012.

Place bids here

Beyond Season’s End…A Bleak Look Ahead at Washington’s Water Future

September 14, 2012 by adminewa

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGcrkWMwASg&context=C4ed8105ADvjVQa1PpcFO4fMWbFIHKsAbLMMdeKlEXCKNf28H7YcQ=[/youtube]

This might be one of the best laid out and soft spoken looks at our future water issues affecting the fish we cherish so much in our state.

EWA Featured Photographer — Mike McCoy aka Dad!

August 7, 2011 by adminewa

I have spent my life in this sport having fly fished or been exposed to it since I was in diapers, led the entire time by my dad. I can say with ease that the ONLY reason I am where I am today was the long leash and exposure he afforded me at a young age consistently through my life, and always, hand in hand with a fly rod was a camera. Thank you dad, enjoy the photos everyone!

My first steelhead, Lake Creek, Oregon.

Yet another of my life long mentors, Bob Leach searching for bugs on the Deschutes, look a little harder Bob, you’ll find one!

A brown trout from an eastern Oregon lake.

Always watch your backcast…

Landing pad for dragonflies on Klamath Lake.

Bald eagle about to take flight on the North Umpqua River.

An angler landing the evenings dinner on Davis Lake in central Oregon.

An angler presents on the North Umpqua River.

A chum head on the Skagit River.

Casting on a foggy winter day, lower Umpqua River.

A Blue Heron taking flight.

One of my favorite views in the world, the Deschutes emptying into the Columbia.

Impacts of Hatchery Steelhead on Wild Steelhead in the Skagit Watershed

April 23, 2011 by adminewa

This is a fairly regional topic but a hot one for sure. Wild Steelhead Coalition is hosting an event on May 4th at 6pm where the findings of a biologist from the Seattle City Light will lay out the findings from the joint study they put together for all who can attend. See image below or go to the WSC website for time and directions.

Skagit River and Seattle City Light

March 15, 2011 by adminewa

I just received this letter from Seattle City Light and am pleased with the actions they have chosen to take along these lines, it shows a concern I didn’t think the company was capable of, very nice!

VIA ELECTRONIC EMAIL

March 14, 2011

Dave McCoy
Emerald Waters Anglers
dave@emeraldwaterangles.com

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Denise Krownbell and I am the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Land Program Manager for Seattle City Light. Under this ESA Land Program, City Light provides funding for salmon habitat acquisition and restoration projects in an effort to aid in the recovery of ESA-listed fish stocks. In the case of the Skagit River, those species are Chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout.

Gilligan Creek, a tributary of the Skagit River, is used by steelhead, chum and coho salmon for spawning and rearing habitat. Recognizing Gilligan Creek’s importance as high-quality fish habitat, City Light purchased a property located near West Gilligan Creek Road that runs along the lower portion of Gilligan Creek in 2002 with the intention of protecting and restoring the habitat on site. Currently, we are working with the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group (SFEG) to secure grant funding to begin restoration of salmonid habitat on the property. The surveys done by SFEG indicate the need for restoration work on the property, including closing the property to vehicle access, treating and removing invasive plant species on site, and replanting treated areas with native species as well as augmenting the current habitat with additional plantings.

To prevent further damage and effectively restore salmonid habitat at the property, beginning April 4, 2011 vehicle access to the site will be prohibited. Vehicles have damaged the riparian (bank) area portions of the property, creating erosion issues, compacting the soil so native species cannot take hold and spreading invasive plant species. Off Road Vehicle (ORV) traffic in and across the Gilligan Creek channel also has been reported, and has the potential to damage salmonid egg sites and/or injure and kill juvenile fish. City Light is aware that the site has been used as an informal boat launch area and we will be posting signs and initially providing information directing the public to nearby alternative official boat launch areas. We will continue to allow access by foot for recreational activities like walking, birdwatching, and fishing during fishing seasons and will provide a small area for a few vehicles to park.

SFEG also has recommended the removal of a large area of an invasive species called knotweed. Knotweed grows very rapidly and chokes out native plants and does not provide any habitat benefit to fish, particularly salmon. Knotweed can spread easily with the breaking off of fragments of the plant and by rooted portions washing downstream. Vehicle traffic is particularly effective at spreading knotweed and also damages native plants – another important reason for prohibiting vehicular access to this site. We have hired SFEG to treat the knotweed on site and replant the areas infested with knotweed with native species.

There are areas of the property that have native plant species growing which benefit salmon but not in densities that fully benefit salmon. Native plants provide shade and cover along the river for the salmon to hide and also provide a food source from the insects falling from the native plants. SFEG will be hosting planting events at the site to enhance native vegetation throughout the property to fully restore the habitat with the additional benefit of educating volunteers on the value of restored salmonid habitat. If you are interested in participating in the replanting, please let me know.

Seattle City Light is contacting recreation-oriented groups and businesses as well as fishing enthusiasts to notify your organization of the upcoming changes so that your organization may incorporate this information into your work or plans for future fishing seasons. I welcome any thoughts or questions you have about the property and the planned restoration actions. I can be reached at (206) 615-1127 or denise.krownbell@seattle.gov.

Sincerely,

Denise Krownbell
Sr. Environmental Affairs

An ode to bent rods…

January 8, 2011 by adminewa

Sitting here going through thousands of unedited photos from all over the world I was struck by the number of times I have kept an image simply because the subject in it had a bent fly rod.

While you can’t always see the fish, which would be the next best thing, for fly anglers or anglers period for that matter, to see a bent rod…we know what it means and we get excited about.

From 14 wts on tuna and sailfish to spey rods on steelhead and even those wispy little glass or ultralight negative 0wt rods on 6 inch fish, a bent rod in a still image conjures up emotions and makes all of us wish we were there, anywhere.

So here is brief homage to our favorite pastime, or profession depending on who you are, and the tool of our trade.

Upper Yakima River, Theo, fish on! Good way to start!