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Rainbow trout being released



A Yakima River Fishing Story


Getting up at 5:30 am on a Saturday morning is not usually something I do-if I can help it-but when given the chance to hit the Yakima River with other members of TU-I didn’t even need an alarm clock.

We met up at the Preston park and ride at 7-it was still dark-and soon headed off for the river. The weather was foggy for a lot of the way-punctuated by breaks in the overcast that revealed a beautiful sunrise over the Cascades-and the promise of an excellent day of fishing. After about an hour and a half trip we rendezvoused at Red’s fly shop to collect the Clackacraft boats that we’d use for the day. By 10 we were on the water.

Mark Taylor and I shared one of the three boats, and Mark was gracious enough to test his ability to guide the boat down the river at the beginning. I tied on a big stimulator and a small nymph dropper. Before we knew it, we were on our way downstream, making our way as best we could, within casting range of the chosen bank. There’s no better way to fish a large river like the Yakima-access from the bank is limited and as most fishermen would agree-the spot you want to cast to is always on the other side of the river. With the drift boat that’s not a problem-you just turn the boat and row across. It’s very exciting-coasting down the river and concentrating as best you can on the cast you have out-all while trying to plan your next one. Nothing to catch your back-cast (generally speaking) except the person rowing the boat!

One thing about the drift boat is that you typically only get one chance to hit any spot-maybe a cast or two if you are lucky-and then you’re on to the next one. There are spots where you can beach the boat and get out for some walking and wading. Just make sure the anchor is out when you do that!

I managed to tie in to a nice fish-it ended up being 15 or so inches long-and that got the day off to a good start. Though it was a little cool in the morning-about 35 degrees when we met at Red’s-later on it warmed up. By noon it was completely clear-not a cloud in the sky-and we knew we had taken full advantage of an awesome fall day. That was a good feeling.

Mark and I exchanged places on the boat-he took the prime casting spot at the bow and I got to do my duty guiding the boat down the river. It’s not hard to do except you have to watch what is coming up as you drift inexorably downstream-you mainly row to miss big rocks. Of course with Clackacraft you should “fear no rock” but it isn’t fun slamming in to one! During my first turn with the oars, I admit, I hit some. At least Mark didn’t fall over board.

On this peaceful float downstream, we hooked up with enough fish to make it a good day. We also saw quite a few animals along the way, including eagles soaring from the cliffs of the canyon; a family of Rocky Mountain sheep; and a lone Elk way up in the hills. They seemed to be enjoying the weather as much as we were.

After a long day of casting hundreds of times with lots of line out, and fighting fish, and rowing, I was tired but felt great when we beached the boat back at Red’s about 5:30. I think the endorphins must have been flowing! It was a great day and I’ll treasure the memory.

Floating the Yakima is one of those great fly-fishing experiences that anyone who’s ever picked up a fly-rod should have. If you missed the October trip to the Yakima this year, then take my advice and making every effort to go next time. You’ll be happy that you did.

About Us
This is the Bellevue/Issaquah Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
 
For a list of 2008 officers and to read meeting minutes,  go here ...

News

Comments by Snoqualmie Tribe and Trout Unlimited regarding review on Lake Sammamish Kokanee petition. Read here...

Read Dallas Cross's article titled "Fur and Feathers for Fly Fishing." Read here ... 

Read Dallas Cross's article titled "Tales of Kokanee Trout Clans.  Read here...

USFWS decides to consider Lake Sammamish kokanee for protection under the Endangered Species Act.  Read here ...

Read Dallas Cross's article in the Issaquah Press about fishing with worms.  Read here...
 

Read Dallas Cross's article in the Issaquah Press about sturgeon fishing.  Read here...

Read about Tacoma area salmon fishing prospects for 2008.  Read here...

Coalition of conservation groups request scientific review of Pacific Salmon Treaty.  Read here...

Seattle Times op-ed on the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act.Read here...

Issaquah Press article on fish ladder problems at the hatchery. Read here...

Projects
Find out what we're doing to ensure we can still fish in the future here.

Kokanee Project Weekly Updates here.

View a King5 report on Lake Sammamish Kokanee here

Read an op-ed in the Seattle-PI about Lake Sammamish Kokanee  here

Fishing Report
Where are the fishing hotspots? More importantly, where are the fish?! We're not telling! No, really, go here.
TU Youth
Read about Marvista  School's "Salmon in the Classroom" project...

Kids, do you have the Boy Scout fly-fishing merit badge
 More about fly-fishing merit badge
Here is Colin Wick's Eagle Scout Project Workbook describing his work on the Kokanee Project.


Cast for Kids Events - April 19 - Green Lake, May 17 - Seward Park and June 7 - Gene Coulon Park.  For more information, click
here.
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