washington fly fishing: September High!

Your Olympic Peninsula fly fishing guide.
Catch & Release, Fly Fishing Only!

September High!

Late Bloomer.

We have been riding the wave of an extended sunny and warm summer right into autumn. And one thing to remember about warm air, and especially as pertains to the Pacific Coastal climate, is that warm air contains more moisture. So this is building up with each warmer day. And the nights have been getting cooler. So eventually that moisture is going to start falling from the sky. It looks like that is coming later this week. And as much as I like living as though we were in an endless summer of blue skies and fair winds, sunscreen and straw hats, I am welcoming this shift into the annual rain cycle here. But don't break out your pumps and bailing buckets yet. We rarely get serious replenishing rains this early. That most likely happens in October. At this point, we need some serious rainfall. But every little bit helps.

The Olympic Peninsula rivers are running low and clear for the most part. But take heart- The rivers and fish are going to perk up with some rain. It looks like this rain will be coming in around the same time that we expect the October Caddis to begin hatching out in earnest. Cooler nights, shorter days, and a little sun mixed in. This is a nice way to segue into fall. So don't hesitate to explore these rivers and streams as they gradually come back to life. There are summer run steelhead in most of them now. And with a little rain a few more will be showing up this fall. We can have good dry fly fishing for summer steelhead and sea run Cutthroat trout in these rivers through October. I like my own October Caddis, steelhead Caddis fly, tied with Hoh River elk hair.

Little Stone's Steelhead Caddis

This year I am also going to be using Derek Young's great fly, The "Yak Caddis," with a little more regularity for Cutthroat and Steelhead on the rivers. Derek Young guides on the Yakima River and on some other very cool waters around the great American West. Derek was honored with the Orvis Guide Of The Year award a few years ago. This guy really knows his stuff. Check him out at his Emerging Rivers Guide Services .

Derek Young's great fly, The "Yak Caddis."
www.orvis.com/p/yakcaddis/3r8x

And if you simply must get out there on the Olympic Peninsula rivers now, low water be damned, Go ahead! You aren't getting any younger. And like I said, there are plenty of fish around now. You won't have to worry about any damaging warm water temperature issues either.

Please be aware that Olympic National Park has closed the Upper Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, and it's tributaries to fishing for now, as they are trying to reduce impacts on the returning, spawning Chinook salmon. This is why I do not guide for those fish to begin with. They expect another low return / spawner escapement this year. Again. www.nps.gov/olympic

I will also suggest that you bring along some Caddis Pupa flies. There will be countless caddis pupae, drifting in the currents, working their way to the surface now, and for the next two months. One of the really good ones for these waters, for trout and steelhead, is Skip Morris "Brick Back Caddis." And what you want to do is tie this fly onto a long fine leader, at least nine feet long, and using a floating line, drift this bad boy through those deeper slower holding lies, in the dark drop offs and ledges, and along the foamy seams. Skip is without a doubt one of the most talented and enthusiastic fly tying innovators out there today. There's an old saying: "Pretty is as pretty does." Skip's flies catch fish. Take a look at his website if you are interested in learning more about flies, and fly tying, and how to fish with them:
Skip Morris Fly Tying

"Pretty is as pretty does"
Skip Morris "Brick Back Caddis."
www.skip-morris-fly-tying.com

On the saltchuck:

Oh how I hate to say "Things are heating up!" . . .But they are. We are catching some really nice wild sea-run Coastal Cutthroat trout from the beaches now. If you want a solid chance at catching a trophy sea-run: Now is your time and this is your place. We usually have good fishing for these wild trout through October, and sometimes through November. We're also seeing more coho salmon coming through these waters. And anglers on most of the beaches around here are reporting improved fishing. Once the weather begins to change, everything gets moving. So should you!

Wild sea-run Coastal Cutthroat trout.

To learn more about Puget Sound and Olympic Peninsula fly fishing call or write for more details. I would be happy to help you plan your Olympic Peninsula adventure.

Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide and Instructor

I am guiding fly fishers on the Olympic Peninsula beaches, rivers and streams. We walk and wade, fly fishing for sea-run Coastal Cutthroat trout in freshwater and saltwater, and in the rivers for trout and summer steelhead. This is strictly catch and release, traditional fly fishing only. Lunch, snacks, soft beverages, and use of some equipment is included. Personalized and private fly fishing and fly casting instruction, and guided trips are available, for beginners through expert anglers. Public presentations, Naturalist guide for rowboat picnics, Tide Pool and river trail day trips. Please call, write or email for booking details.

Bob Triggs

Little Stone Flyfisher

P.O. Box 261

Port Townsend, WA

98368

Licensed Washington State Guide

Certified Fly Casting Instructor

Trout Unlimited Aquatic Educator Award

U.S.C.G First Aid/CPR/BLS/AED/BBP/HIV Certified

Phone: 360-385-9618

email: littlestoneflyfisher@mail.com

Blog: http://olympicpeninsulaflyfishing.blogspot.com