Seasonal Fly Fishing Guide: Best Times to Fish in Washington

Washington state offers year-round fly fishing opportunities, but knowing when and where to fish can significantly improve your success on the water. As a guide with years of experience in Central Washington's waters, I've compiled this comprehensive seasonal guide to help you plan your fishing adventures throughout the year.

Spring (March - May)

Spring brings some of the year's most exciting fishing opportunities as waters warm and insect activity increases. This is prime time for several key fishing experiences:

March

• Skwala stonefly hatches begin on the Yakima River
• Blue-winged olive (BWO) hatches provide excellent dry fly opportunities
• Rocky Ford Creek offers great sight fishing as water clarity improves

April

• Peak Skwala activity on the Yakima
• March Brown mayfly hatches
• Stillwater fishing picks up as lakes warm

May

• Mother's Day caddis hatch
• PMD (Pale Morning Dun) mayflies begin
• Lake fishing reaches prime conditions

Summer (June - August)

Summer offers the widest variety of fishing opportunities, with all waters accessible and multiple hatches occurring. However, warm temperatures can affect fishing conditions, making timing crucial.

June

• Golden stone hatches on the Yakima River
• Mountain creeks become accessible
• Evening caddis fishing becomes productive
• PMD hatches continue

July

• Early morning and evening fishing is most productive
• High country lakes are accessible
• Terrestrial fishing (hoppers, ants, beetles) begins

August

• Peak terrestrial fishing
• Morning trico hatches
• Evening caddis continue strong

Fall (September - November)

Fall offers some of the year's best fishing as temperatures cool and fish become more active throughout the day. This is also when you'll find the most solitude on the water.

September

• October caddis begin to appear
• Blue-winged olives return
• Terrestrial fishing continues
• Fish become more aggressive as they prepare for winter

October

• Peak October caddis activity
• Strong BWO hatches
• Some of the year's largest fish are caught

November

• Late fall BWO hatches
• Nymphing becomes increasingly effective
• Rocky Ford Creek fishing improves

Winter (December - February)

While winter offers fewer options, the fishing can be exceptional if you know where to look and are prepared for the conditions.

Winter Fishing Opportunities

• Rocky Ford Creek provides year-round fishing
• Yakima River winter midge fishing

Key Factors Affecting Seasonal Fishing

Water Temperature

Water temperature significantly influences fish activity and feeding patterns. Optimal temperatures vary by species:

• Rainbow Trout: 50-65°F
• Cutthroat Trout: 48-62°F

Water Flows

River conditions vary throughout the year. Check current flows before your trip:

• Spring: Higher flows from snowmelt
• Summer: Generally stable flows
• Fall: Lower, clearer water
• Winter: Variable depending on precipitation

Planning Your Seasonal Fishing Trip

To make the most of your fishing experience, consider these factors when planning:

• Check weather forecasts and water conditions
• Research current hatches and appropriate fly patterns
• Plan fishing times around optimal temperatures
• Bring appropriate gear for the season
• Consider booking a guide for local expertise