Posted by Ned Fenimore on January 10, 2012 at 9:14 PM
I thought I'd post this here since many of our members are more familiar with Washington than I. I'd like to see if anyone could suggest any good streams for photography and also good for some fly fishing. I'd like to combine the two hobbies and I'm not very well versed on Cascade and Central Wasington areas. I feel like I need to break away from the confines of the Columbia River Gorge a bit and explore the Evergreen State! Thanks in advance.
Posted by Ken Smith on January 10, 2012 at 9:29 PM
Hi Ned, you might google Yakima River Canyon fly-fishing ....and Yakima River photography. It is a noteworthy fly fishing river...lot of barbless hooks, catch/release portions ... And you can see what you think of the photo-worthiness. Kinda muted colors this time of the year...you might get lucky and get some clouds and fresh snow to add to the variety. No promises. If I were still living in Yakima...it would be an easy drive and a few side canyons that deserve exploring. Ken S
Posted by Ned Fenimore on January 10, 2012 at 11:36 PM
Thanks for the information, Ken.. My brother in law suggested the same to me via Facebook. He is a long time resident of the area living outside of Ellensburg now. I will definitely look into that..
Posted by Bruce King on January 11, 2012 at 7:25 PM
Hi Ned. from my experience there just aren't too many good trout streams in Western WA that don't require a lot of hiking or bushwacking. I think all the money and effort goes into Salmon and Steelhead habitat restoration and trout are normally not a strong consideration. I've heard the Lewis River N Fork and the Upper Tilton can be good at certain times but I haven't fshed them....and they're not too far from your locale. The Yakima River Canyon is the only designated "Blue Ribbon" trout fishery in the state that I know of. I guess the Methow in NE WA is pretty good for the short time it's open in the fall. I know a guy who fishes it every year and he says it can be excellent. But again I haven't fished it. Truth is I haven't fished much at all since I discovered photography......go figure.
Posted by Greg Vaughn on January 13, 2012 at 12:57 AM
Ned: I can't help you with the fly fishing part, but I've spent quite a bit of time in Washington over the past two years and have found outstanding scenery in the southern Cascades all over the west side of Mount Adams. The lakes and rivers from Walupt Lake and Takhlakh Lake in the NW, Trout Lake Creek and the creeks and lakes bordering the Indian Heaven Wilderness area are beautiful, and also frequented by fishermen.
The Yakima River between Selah and Ellensburg, following State Hwy 821 is quite scenic, especially in autumn when the cottonwood trees are bright yellow.
Posted by Ned Fenimore on January 13, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Gentlemen, I really appreciate the commentary so far. These are great suggestions! In all the time I have lived here, I cannot believe that I have not explored the Yakima. I'm definitely going to do so in hope of success with both the photography and the fishing. Again, I really appreciate the input - and hope to have something to share from the efforts this year!
Discussion
5 repliesThe Yakima River between Selah and Ellensburg, following State Hwy 821 is quite scenic, especially in autumn when the cottonwood trees are bright yellow.