Weekly Methow Fly Fishing Report

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Hot and hot, that would describe the weather and that would as well describe the fishing as of late. Water has been essential not just for a good time but also as a means of keeping ones core temperature down a bit…so kill two birds and all that.

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The dry fly is the story right now. You can go ahead and bust out nymphs or streamers to whatever degree of success but nothing I’ve seen beets watching surface destruction on the dry fly. I have been starting the morning with stimulators and switching to hoppers as the day progresses. No need for a dropper, most fish will ignore it on the way up.

Resident Redband Trout

Resident Redband Trout

The primary hatches as of late have been Duns, Greens Drakes, Yellow Sallies, Sedges and a few Golden Stones. I like targeting fish in deep back eddies, gentle riffles and slicks with naturals and pounding banks with larger flys.

Green Drake spinner

Green Drake spinner

Speaking as one born and raised here I still find myself surprised at the quality of our trout fishery and excited at its future potential as hook and release continues to mature over population and re-enhancement projects begin to yield their benefits.

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There were multiple over 20 inchers to the boat this weeks and so many great fish it’s hard to keep track but it is really just getting started as far as this season goes. I have noticed the fish starting to take a siesta around 2pm-4pm (as they should) however even during that time the ones that count seem to have been coming up. Look for mid-day fishing to be a bit slower and for the morning to start right out with drys bright and early.

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Weekly Methow Fly Fishing Report

Frog Mouthed Cutty

Frog Mouthed Cutty

To say fishing has been good as of late would be to understate the already incredibly obvious. While the river is still a bit high for the first week of July it is still producing plenty of great action. The early summer hatches have started; Green Drakes, Sedges and other Caddis, Yellow Sallies and a slow trickle of Golden Stones as well.

Pretty Girl

Pretty Girl

With the renewed bug life and slowing flows fish are getting a chance to start packing the pounds back on after a long winter and for some a spawning season. The usual late-spring/early-summer tactics have been working well, pounding banks with dries and knuckle dragging nymphs has been the ticket.

Methow Cuttbow

Methow Cuttbow

Reports from the high and lowland still water have been good though I have not been able to tear myself off the river. However, soon will be the time to head to the hills for some views, big fish and tranquility.

Going Home

Going Home

Look for the flows to go down as the temp goes up as there is not much to the spring run-off now. Bite time has been between 10am and 4pm with most fish hitting dries no but look for the fishing to switch from mid-day to both ends of the day as summer draws on.
Stimulators, Drakes, Foam Hoppers and Caddis have been the top water bug of choice with Caddis Pupa, Golden, Green, or Black Stones and dropping PT’s, Copper Johns or Hairs Ear always a good bet on the nymph side.

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If you are interested in booking a trip just click on the Contact page at the top of the screen and drop us a line, Methow Fishing Adventures will get you out on the water and having fun!