Juneuary

Your Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide.
Catch and Release, Fly Fishing Only!

Casting on the sprummer tides.

     It wasn't but  a few weeks ago that everyone was putting away their winter sweaters and turning off the heat. And now it's cold and grey and wet, and there's been some fresh snow in the mountains, and the gardens are soaking wet. Up in the mountains the rivers have perked up nicely, without blowing up. All of this portends for good fishing conditions ahead. Out on the beaches we have had some good days, even in the bright sun and heat, which doesn't seem to bother the sea-run cutthroat trout at all. And with water temperatures in the low 50 degree range in Puget Sound right now, that's really perfect trout fishing conditions. Compared to a year ago, when we had drought conditions by this time, and the rivers were so low, with no snow pack to melt for the early season, this cool wet spring feels so good. So stop complaining. It won't be long before you are praying for a wet, cloudy day again.

Thick a fog.

     Something that I have noticed is that when we do get these brief June cooling periods, and the ocean weather returns for a few weeks, and everything gets a good, deep, slow soaking, the subsequent warm up into true summer weather is going to bring a whole new cycle of life along with it. On the Puget Sound beaches there are miles of logs, stumps, pilings and other woody debris. Not to mention dense vegetation; trees, shrubbery, beach grasses, meadow grasses, etc. This shoreline habitat harbors and sustains myriad species of insect life; ants, beetles, termites, bees, moths etc. As well as rodents, snakes, lizards, etc. All of which can be forage for sea-run cutthroat trout. So just as one might be mindful of the various insects and mayflies, and their life cycles in freshwater trout fishing environments, it pays to be aware of what's for dinner on the beaches too. And put some ants, beetle and dry fly patterns in your beach fly boxes. 

I especially like the Randall Kauffmann Stimulator fly,
 in size #6 for sea-runs. Please crush your barbs!

    Every significant change in the weather, such as this Juneuary cool off, and recent rains, brings some shift in the availability and behavior of forage species, and the way that trout feed on them. And likewise, once the warmer, drier air returns, and the summer weather stabilizes, you'll see more changes again. But you've got to be there to see it. That should keep you on your toes!  It won't hurt to take a walk along the beaches, well above the tide lines, and kick around in the beach wrack, roll over some smaller logs, and see what kind of bugs and other critters you can find there. Then get some flies in your box that match that color, profile and size. Sure, you can catch them on Wooly Boogers. But there's an art to riddling these things out. And when you get it right, you'll be rewarded.  

This is probably the most relaxing way to fish for sea-run cutthroat.
One angler, maybe two,  Call or write for details.

Your Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide and Instructor

    I am guiding fly fishers on the Olympic Peninsula beaches, rivers and streams. We walk and wade, or row along the shorelines in the dory, fly fishing for sea-run Coastal Cutthroat trout in freshwater and saltwater, and in the rivers for Cutthroat trout and summer steelhead. This is all strictly catch and release, traditional, barbless single hook, fly fishing only. Lunch, snacks, soft beverages, and use of some equipment is included. I also offer personalized and private fly fishing and fly casting instruction for beginners through advanced casters. I would be happy to help you plan your Olympic Peninsula fly fishing adventure, for all levels of ability, beginner to expert. Public presentations, Naturalist Guide, rowboat picnics, tide pool and  river trail day trips. Please call, write or email for booking details. Now booking for April through October and beyond. 

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

2006 W.S.U.Beach Watcher / Water Watcher graduate

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

Web: www.washingtonflyfishing.com/guides/littlestone

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LittleStoneFlyfisher