Anybody done the winter thing on the Yak?
Anybody tie winter bugs?

I am reading a great book, "Bug Water" by Arlen Thomason, and he talks about Skwala nymphs (stonefly nymphs), 3/4 to 1 1/4 " long that do their business in the winter.

I haven't seen anything tied up beyond a prince nymph, or mega prince (stimulator) but they don't look way hard to try to simulate. Not any obvious pattern but kinda a copper john with a fuzzy body and long wings.

As much as winter steel is my thing, it is a long trip from BeautifulDowntownPugetropolis to the OP so, not minding winter and all, I am looking at other venues as well.

PS Where is the cheapest place to stay on the OP? I would rather spend my money on fishing than lodging.

Rick,

I haven't fished the Yakima enough to know the bug cycle. I do know there many different stone fly nymph patters that may simulate Skwala, and that the Prince Nymph isn't the only show in town.

Cheapest place to stay on the OP? Have tent? Don't mind camping?

I don't go for cheapest. I like clean and economical. Olympic suites fit that bill. They're reasonable this time of year.

Thanks, Sam. I have stayed there with good results but am trying to spend money on fishing rather than accommodations.

Have tent!

Stonefly nymphs of many species are available on the Yakima year-round. The Skwala nymphs begin to become more active when water temperatures reach the upper thirties and become particularly vulnerable when they begin to crawl toward shore. This can occur as early as late January or February. One of the best-looking Skwala nymph imitations I've seen is Pat's Rubberlegs; its mottled olive-and-black chenille body reproduces the colors of the natural particularly well.

The best thing about the Skwala is that the adults begin to emerge, sometimes as early as mid-February, and continue to do so into April. This coincides with the pre-runoff period when flows are still low and the water is clear; they can provide excellent dry fly fishing throughout that period. I've written an article on Skwalas and Skwala fishing that will be published in the spring issue of Flyfishing & Tying Journal.

Thanks PS!

DR,

All I know about winter trout fishing on the Yak is that it's cold enough to make steelheading on the OP seem balmy. I stay at the Forks Motel, $55 winter rate, and sometimes camp on the Hoh.

Sg

Thanks Sg.

I don't like tenting in the rain.... But, I can appreciate wanting to spend the money fishing. If you want facilities there is a State Park on the Bogi right off of 101. I thought I'd drag my trailer over there a time or two. But, I like to fish on the way back, and a trailer would limit where I could go.

There is also camping along the Hoh, Oxbow, Cottonwood, and up in the park too.

I guess it depends on how much you want to rough it. I guess I'd bring a big blue tarp to help keep the tent dry.

This should help get you in the mood....


http://vimeo.com/9342547



c/22

Filmed in Forks, eh?

I will second that! Swinging streamers is my preferred method when I have to go sub-surface for river trout. It pretty fun on a 5 weight!

I fish the Yakima thru the winter. Pat's Stone with red copper john dropper works well under an indicator. Or switch the dropper to any number of sz 18 nymphs... lightning bug, pt nymph, etc. Look for some softer water along a good riffle and fish that hard. They pod up in the winter so if you hook one you're in the right spot. If they take the dropper every time get rid of the pat's and fish 2 small nymphs with a bit of lead above them.

Most people use a thin gamabobber and they work very well. But, if you seem to be missing very subtle strikes switch to a smaller antron indicator.

Streamers are effective but many days they'll attract nothing, other days they work well. I tend to switch things up if it's slow because the fish are there and willing to eat.

+1