Yakima River (1/21 & 1/28)

Did some winter fishing on the Yak 2 Sundays in a row. On 1/21, the river was in shape after quite a long ice-out. It was around 34 degrees w/overcast skies. Stopped by the 'Hatch and picked up some flies and talked to the dudes. Not many reports, but picked up a couple Olive Seal buggers (to swing), a couple big rubber legged stones and some size 18 red Copper John's (to nymph). Needless to say, it was very slow. I fished near the KOA and also near the lower canyon to now avail. I may have had a couple bumps while swinging, but nothing to write home about. I think the fish were still down from the ice-out conditions the week before. Other reports on WFF seemed to indicate it was generally slow for others too, so it seemed to add up. I was on the water from about 10:30-3:00. On 1/28, the conditions were MUCH colder. It was about 15 degrees (BRRRR!) with a good fog when I arrived around 10:30 at one of my go-to spots near the Lower Canyon. Even though it was cold, the water was in great shape. I setup the double-nymph rig with the big stone on top and the red Copper John as a trailer. I worked one of the runs I've had success at in the past. The action ended up being quite good. Within about 15 minutes, I found a pod of fish in a slow, deep seam. I landed 1 whitefish @17" on the red Copper John, and 1 rainbow @14" on the stone. I had 3 LDR's and some other hits. Not too shabby for a couple hours on the river. Every 10 minutes or so, I had to clear out the ice from the guides. Sorry, no pics this time -- I considered it, but the fingers were just too damn cold. Don't underestimate the fishing on the Yak in the winter time -- it can be surprisingly good as long as you can bear the cold! 'Till next time, Josh