PDA

View Full Version : Yakima River near Ellensburg, WA



SteelieD
12-20-2006, 09:14 PM
I braved the elements for my first "true" winter fishing experience on the Yakima. I had the river to myself. It wasn't nearly as cold as I thought it might be... in fact, I've had colder toes in the summer (of course that was wet wading!). Air temps were below 30 and the water was probably in the mid 30's. I'm still asking Santa for some Simms Windstopper gloves!

Fished for 2 hours total and after about an hour, I dialed it in and landed these two fun fish, plus LDR'ed 4 more in about a half an hour. I also caught the obilgitory few whitefish. What a blast!!!! Enjoy.

Are you kidding me, I'm really doing this??
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/SteelieD/Yakima12-20-065.jpg

Beautiful...
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/SteelieD/Yakima12-20-0622.jpg

Fish on.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/SteelieD/Yakima12-20-0611.jpg

:shock:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/SteelieD/Yakima12-20-0616.jpg

See you next time!
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/SteelieD/Yakima12-20-0618.jpg

Darian
12-20-2006, 10:42 PM
Wow!!!! That's really wantin' to fish.... Beautiful photo's tho. 8) 8) 8)

Matt Frey
12-20-2006, 10:56 PM
Awesome! Great photos. Pretty hard core being in the elements like that. Looks like a great time.

aaron
12-20-2006, 11:19 PM
awsome report, drove by there this summer and it sure looked fishy.

Bill Kiene semi-retired
12-20-2006, 11:20 PM
Great photos SD.

They made me shiver.............are those trout or Steelhead?

dtp916
12-21-2006, 01:41 AM
I've always dreamed fishing in the snow...Done it a few times but not to the success you had! Awesome photos!

What did you slay them on?

peterkoistinen
12-21-2006, 08:55 AM
Nice pictures, looks like a great day.

Fishing in the snow is great. To be able to go out and see life - the moving river, the fish - during the "dead" part of the year is awesome.

If it's actually snowing then it's unbelieveable.

It's physically cold and wet but mentally and spiritually warm as toast.

I envy your day up there more than a mid summer day wet wading - it's much more of a treat.

Keep it up, send more pics

Pete

SteelieD
12-21-2006, 08:38 PM
Darian - Yes! I really wanted to fish for trout, so I did what any sane flyfisherman would do, I drove two hours to fish in the snow!

Bill - Those are 'bows. Unfortunately the flash washes out the iridescent pink on these fish. It is amazing! The picture below shows it a bit better. The river above Roza dam does hold a few steelhead, a very few, but it is illegal to target them.

dtp916 - Skwala colored Brindle Bugs and PT's.

Pete - I'm with you, there is something special about being alone in the quiet that only snow-covered ground can create. Very peaceful. I really wasn't too sure if this would be my thing, but I really, really like it. If the weather cooperates, I'll be back next week!

Here are a few more photos’...
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/SteelieD/Yakima12-20-0634.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/SteelieD/Yakima12-20-0629.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/SteelieD/Yakima12-20-0614.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/SteelieD/Yakima12-20-066.jpg

Bill Kiene semi-retired
12-22-2006, 01:54 AM
Thanks SD

I know everyone here really appreciates the photos, especially great ones like these. It's almost like being there.

Those are very beautiful wild Rainbows.

Hairstacker
12-24-2006, 12:38 AM
Beautiful pictures and fish! Is that a Sage TXL? How do you like it?

Adam Grace
12-24-2006, 06:27 AM
Very nice picture indeed! That water couldn't have been very warm....BRRRRR :lol:

SteelieD
12-24-2006, 11:00 PM
Mike - no, not a TXL (though I am looking for a 2 wt :wink: ). It is actually the Winston Vapor I bought last summer. I really like it.

Thanks Adam - I actually stole that reel and rod shot from you!

Merry Christmas!