by John Kruse, March 25, 2008

Late March through mid-April brings green hills, warm temperatures and rising trout on the Upper Yakima River. Managed as Washington’s only “Blue Ribbon” trout fishery, the 70 miles of the upper Yakima between Easton and the Roza Dam south of Ellensburg draws fly anglers from all over the Northwest who cast to rainbow and cutthroat trout that average 10 to 13 inches and go as big as two feet long.

Local guide Jack Mitchell of the Evening Hatch Guide Service says, “April is the spawning season for the trout. While the bite can be limited at times, major hatches occur along the river this time of year.” Blue wing olive and March Brown Mayfly imitations match these prolific hatches and can provide outstanding fishing. There’s no need to hit the water at first light. Mitchell says the best bite this time of year usually occurs between 11 AM and 3 PM.

Ellensburg fly shop owner and guide Steve Worley (Worley Bugger Fly Co.) echoes Mitchell’s advice about using blue wing olive imitations in March and going to March Brown Mayfly imitations in April as the hatches of these flies occur. Worley says, “April is one of the best months to fish the Yakima.” He likes a size 16 or 18 blue wing olive imitation. He says afternoon hatches for these bugs can last four to five hours. As for the March Browns, try a size 12. Worley says that when these bugs hatch, they come off the river in veritable clouds.

Fishing from a drift boat or raft is the preferred way to fish this river, if only because you can cover so much more water than you can walking and wading. While fly anglers prefer the Yakima, spin casters also catch their fair share of trout too. Jack Mitchell says Worden’s black or brown Rooster Tails as well as Blue Fox spinners in a yellow and black combination are often effective. The Upper Yakima is a catch and release only fishery with selective regulations in effect (no bait and lures can only have a single barbless hook).

The fishing at this time of year can be fickle. Heavy rains can muddy the waters of this clear running stream, especially in the latter part of April when the spring runoff traditionally occurs. For more information contact the Worley Bugger Fly. Co. (Tel. 1-866-482-4480/ www.worleybuggerflyco.com) or The Evening Hatch Guide Service (Tel. 1-866-482-4480/ www.theeveninghatch.com).

This article previously appeared in Fishing and Hunting News. If you get a chance visit my web site, http://pacificnorthwestoutdoors.com!