headshake june 2013

Headshake Magazine Orvis Bellevue Page 1

In This Issue Upcoming Schools & Seminars………………2 June Outlook…………………………………………3 The Secret Sauce-Damsels and Dragons…4 Yakima River Forecast……………………………5 Western Montana Outlook……………………6 Fly of the Month: X-Caddis…………………….9 Featured Fishery: Cedar River………..…….10 Hosted Travel………………………………………11

From the Shop I’m not really sure what happened to May. It seems just yesterday it was the end of April and I was returning from the Guide Rendezvous in Montana. This month has been a whirlwind of fishing, teaching fly fishing 101 classes, and working in the shop. I am personally very much looking forward to June and the many fishing opportunities our great state has to offer. Steelhead, trout, bass, carp, sea-runs, June has it all. There are many great rivers opening up this month and with long days, there are no shortage of quick fishing options. There is no excuse for not getting on the water with places like the Cedar, or one of the 30+ lakes 45 minutes from the shop, all are great after work options.

Tight Lines,

Jason Cotta

Fishing Manager

Orvis Bellevue

Orvis Bellevue 10223 NE 10th St,

Bellevue, WA 98004 (425)452-9138

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Page 5 Cover Photo Courtesy: Tim Linehan


Third Thursday Knowledge Hatch

Pinks on the Fly Thursday, June 20th 6pm

Pink season is right around the corner and these feisty fish

are an absolute blast on a fly rod. Join Leland Miyawaki as he talks

about how to catch pinks on the fly. Leland will be covering

equipment, fly selection, presentation, and where to go. With pinks

only showing every other year you don’t want to miss out on this

great fishing opportunity. This is a free seminar held at the store

with no registration required. Beer, pizza, and refreshments will be

provided.

Sea Run Cutthroat School $100

In-Store Presentation June 29th 8am

On the Water Clinic June 30th

Join renowned sea run angler and Orvis associate Leland

Miyawaki for a day of sea-run cutthroat trout fishing. This on the

water school will cover everything you need to know to start

fishing for sea run cutthroat on Puget Sound. Topics covered

include gear selection, presentation, where to go, and fly

selection. School includes lunch and beverages. Students must

supply own tackle and wading gear. Class size is limited to 6

students so be sure to sign up soon!


With the arrival of June it is hard to tell if summer has finally come. May brought us plenty of warm days but also many showers. With many rivers opening this month, June is a great time to be out on the water. Anglers headed out to the rivers should be sure to check the flows as some rivers can still be running high and off with snowmelt. June is a long anticipated month for many steelhead anglers. Fabled waters such as the Skykomish are now open where one can go test their skills, and luck, chasing summer steelhead. With higher flows anglers should concentrate on continuing to throw their favorite big winter patterns on Skagit heads and heavier sink tips. As the water begins to recede, anglers will need to adjust accordingly and begin down sizing their fly selection. During high water conditions intruder style flies will still effective. As the water comes down, downsizing to extractors, pick yer pockets, and traditional low-water patterns will be the hot ticket. Trout anglers will find a myriad of fishing opportunities in June. Our local stillwaters will still fish well until the heat of summer kicks fish deeper in the water column. We will see hatches of callibaetis, damselflies, and midges throughout the month. Fish streamers and leech patterns on full sink lines or chironomids under an indicator. If you are in the mood for a little moving water the Yakima and Cedar are great options for the month. The Yakima will remain around 4000cfs throughout the summer which is an optimal flow for anglers fishing from a boat. Wade anglers will still find fishing opportunities as the higher flows push fish to the margins of the river. The Cedar River is a great after work option when you only have a few hours to fish. Streamers are very effective on the Cedar and patterns like Sculpizilla’s and Kiwi Muddlers will often yield fish. Be sure to check out our great selections of streamers at the shop. Sea run cutthroat fishing will continue to be good throughout June. Concentrate on and south sound beaches for the best opportunities for success. Baitfish patterns on intermediate lines or a Miyawaki Beach Popper on a floating line are both good set ups. When fishing intermediate lines, be sure to have a stripping basket to help with line management and shoot more line. June will be lights out for anglers chasing bass with a fly rod. Warm water temperatures bring fish shallow where they can easily be caught on the fly. Baitfish and crawfish on sinking lines or poppers with a floating line are both great ways to catch fish. Be sure to have a variety of lines with you to fish different levels of the water column. The key to catching bass consistently is developing a pattern and finding out what depth the fish are at, what cover they are associating with, and what they are feeding on. If you are not having a successful day switch tactics until you find what works. Many times once you catch one fish, you will know where they are at and be able to consistently stick fish throughout the day.

June Outlook


Summer is finally here and stillwater fishing is starting to heat

up. Rising water temperatures will bring out swarms of damselflies and

dragon flies. These two bugs will be heavily fed on by trout and bass

throughout the spring and summer. Although the two insects have

appreciable differences, they are often misidentified by novice and even

experienced anglers. Here are a few simple tips on identifying damsels

and dragons that will help you distinguish between the two.

Dragonflies make their home in slower moving pools on rivers

and in lakes. The nymph is generally short, stocky, and brown or green

in color. When determining what color nymph to tie on, take into

consideration the color of the insect’s environment. Insects will closely

match the color of their surroundings to help camouflage themselves

from would be predators. If the area has a lot of weeds, try an olive

nymph, if there is a mud and rock bottom, go with a brown.

Once mature, the dragonfly nymph will crawl out of the water,

shed its nymphal shuck, and take its adult form. Dragonfly adults are

usually very large with thick bodies and are blue or green in color.

When the adult lands and is at rest, its wings will be splayed out to its

side. Dragonfly adults are great flyers and are rarely taken by trout

making the nymph the only viable food source.

Damselflies are much smaller than dragonflies but hatch in far

greater numbers. Damselflies live in weedy areas of lakes and slower

pools in rivers. The damselfly nymph is long, slender, and olive or

brown in color. During the summer large migrations of damsels will

make their way out of the water where they will shed their nymphal

shuck and take on their adult form. Fish will feed heavily on the nymphs

and fishing a damsel nymph on an intermediate line around weed beds

can be a recipe for success. When choosing your damselfly nymph, try

to pick a pattern that is very thin to mimic the natural.

The damselfly adult has a very thin body and is blue or green in

color. When at rest, the damsel's wings will be swept back over its body.

While damselflies are great flyers they are not very strong. If there is

any wind, damsels will often be blown into the water where they will

get trapped in the surface film. Here, they are easy pickings for trout and

a dry fly can be very productive.

Like any fly fishing situation, knowing what type of bugs fish

are eating will greatly increase your chances of getting one on the line.

Hopefully these tips will help you catch more fish this summer.


“If you’re like many anglers, fishing doesn’t start until the

warmer weather comes – well, it’s here now and you should be

too. Over the last couple of months, the Yakima River has been

up and down in flows and June won’t be any different – changing

flows means changing tactics and getting access to the best water

often means getting on a drift boat. Good thing, because you’ll

need the extra room for the fly boxes. If you don’t have access to a

boat, wading is still possible but your options are far fewer. This

time of year the fish see all the food groups - mayflies, caddis,

stoneflies, terrestrials, and streamers too so knowing what they are

feeding on and how means the difference between seeing fish and

catching them. If you’re not seeing adults on the surface,

anticipate that feeding is sub-surface and rig-up a classic dry-setup

like a Yellow Stimulator and a PMD/BWO emerger with 16-18”

of tippet. Some of the best fishing is before the bugs get to the

surface, so drowning your dries is ok! It’s longer days, lunch on

the river and wet wading time on the Yakima River, so get out

there and enjoy it!”

Emerging Rivers Yakima River Forecast

Derek Young Emerging Rivers Guide Service (425)373-6417

www.emergingrivers.com


Western Montana Fishing Forecast

Kootenai River—Only 7 hour drive-long weekends do-able!

Early June will be marginal here on the Kootenai due to high water.

But by mid-month the doors of the season should swing wide open and

conditions should be good. The Kootenai basin received just about average

snowpack this year so we’re expecting an earlier start to the season. Last

season the Kootenai fished as well as it has in ten years so we’re eager and

excited for prime time!

Present Flow: Maximum discharge of 26,000cfs

Fishable Flow: >20,000cfs

Water Clarity: good

Hatches: midge, baetis, caddis, pale morning duns

Patterns: zebra midge, bh pheasant tail, prince nymph, Pat’s stonefly,

caddis emergers, x-caddis, fuzzy face caddis, headlight caddis, royal wulff,

parachute Adams, pmds

WESTERN MONTANA JUNE FISHING OUTLOOK Snowpack across most basins here in Montana is about average this year. What does this mean? It means

that runoff and conditions are likely to be a couple weeks ahead of schedule! We’re expecting good fishing

conditions by the middle of the month across most of western Montana. Keep in mind conditions can change

quickly with heavy thunderstorms and other weather events so be sure to check fishing reports and give us a call

anytime before you hit the road. www.fishmontana.com, 406-295-4872, or on Facebook at Montana Fly Fishing

or Linehan Outfitting Company. Here’s a closer look at what to expect river by river.

Missouri River

The Missouri is presently in fantastic shape and fishing

very well this spring. The Bureau of Reclamation will likely

increase flows from Holter Dam sometime early in the month

and maybe up to 8000cfs for a few days as runoff into the

reservoirs peaks. Increased flows might put off the dry fly action

for a bit but for all intents and purposes conditions will be terrific

and June will be epic on the Mo.

Present Flow: approximately 4000cfs

Potential Flow: up to 8000cfs

Water Clarity: very good

Hatches: midge, baetis, caddis, pale morning duns

Patterns: zebra midge, lightening bug, sow bug, pheasant tail,

crackback pmd, green machine, tung dart, nitro caddis, fuzzy

face caddis, x-caddis, headlight caddis, Bloom’s caddis, hackle

stacker pmd, parachute pmd, soft hackle pmd, pmd sparkle dun


Lower Clark Fork-below Alberton Gorge

Like the Kootenai the Clark Fork will be a bit high on the front end

of June but should shape up nicely by mid-month. It appears runoff might

have peaked already and flows are now headed in a steady downward

trend. The river fished extremely well this spring and hatches were strong

and the fish were thick and in great shape. Average snowpack means

conditions will be better earlier compared to the last several years.

Fishability on the Clark Fork is mostly about water clarity so stay tuned to

that end.

Present Flow: approximately 17,000cfs

Fishable Flow: >15,000cfs

Hatches: salmon flies, golden stoneflies, caddis, pale morning duns

Patterns: Pat’s stonefly, bh pheasant tail, bh sj worm, bh prince,

stimulator, Kootenai Hellboy, green goblin, fuzzy face caddis, caddis

emerger, parachute Adams, parachute pmd, cdc pmd

Bitterroot River

It looks like Bitterroot flows topped out last week and

since then it’s been dropping nicely and clearing up fast. It’s

presently fishable but water temps are still a bit chilly. June is all

about stoneflies on the Bitterroot and salmon flies and golden

stones headline hatches. A few more warm days will help move

the hatch along. This could be one of those great Junes where

conditions are ripe for great fishing with big bugs.

Present Flow near Missoula: approximately 5500cfs

Water Clarity: stained

Hatches: salmon flies, golden stoneflies, yellow sallies, caddis,

pmds

Patterns: Pat’s stonefly, bh golden stonefly, bh prince nymph, bh

pheasant tail, pink bh sj worm, bh head hare’s ear, stimulator,

bullet head stonefly, Hellboy golden stone, freddy, parachute

adams, x-caddis, headlight caddis, parachute pmd, pmd sparkle

dun


Blackfoot River

The Blackfoot is also shaping up quickly and like

other rivers it appears that peak runoff is over. Stoneflies

headline hatches on the Blackfoot as well and salmon flies

and golden stones are the B-52s of June. At the very least

conditions should be good by the middle of the month and big

bug dry fly action can be counted on.

Present Flows: approximately 5000cfs


Hatches: salmon flies, golden stoneflies, little yellow sally

stoneflies, caddis

Patterns: Pat’s stonefly, bh stonefly, bh prince, bh pheasant

tail, pink bh SJ worm, salmon flies, stimulators, bullet head

stoneflies, Freddy, Hellboy, x-caddis, headlight caddis, fuzzy

face caddis, parachute Adams, royal wulff

Clark Fork Near Missoula-above Alberton Gorge

The Clark Fork near Missoula will shape up more quickly

than in years past. Runoff from the Blackfoot and Bitterroot has

peaked so conditions on the mainstem will be accelerated this

season. The Clark Fork should be good to go soon. Depending on

daytime temperatures caddis and pmds could start to pop by mid-

month.

Present Flows Below Missoula: approximately 13,000cfs


Hatches: salmon flies, golden stoneflies, yellow sally stoneflies,

caddis, pmds

Patterns: Pat’s stonefly, bh head stonefly, bh pheasant tail, bh

head prince, bh hare’s ear, pink bh SJ worm, bh green goblin, x-

caddis, elk hair caddis, stimulator, bullet head stonefly, Freddy,

Hellboy, fuzzy face caddis, parachute Adams, pmds


X-Caddis June can yield epic hatches of caddis on many western rivers. The bugs will hatch throughout the

day and then lay their eggs on the water’s surface as the sun sets. This gives anglers multiple opportunities

to fish dries as the fish are looking up. The X-Caddis is a killer pattern and a very simple fly to tie. I keep a

selection of X-Caddis in my box in sizes ranging from 12-18 and in a variety of colors. Tan, olive, brown,

and even black are all great color options. When fishing a caddis hatch be sure to match the size and color of

the naturals as best you can. However, remember that presentation is the key when fishing any dry fly.

Tying Steps

1. Start your tying thread behind the hook eye and give yourself a nice thread base ending just before

the bend and above the barb.

2. Tie in a shuck of z-lon or antron and cut to the proper length (Usually length of the hook shank)

3. Dub body up to the eye of the fly and then bring your thread back 1/5 of the hook shank to tie in the

wing. Try to taper the body so it is thin towards the back of the hook and gradually tapers up.

4. Stack a clump of elk hair with a hair stacker to make all of the tips even. Getting the proper amount

of elk hair for the wing can be tricky and it may take a few tries before you get it right. I always start

with more than I think I need as you can always take fibers out of the bunch.

5. Tie in the wing so the tips extend past the bend of the hook. When tying in the wing make 2-3 loose

wraps to set the wing on top of the hook shank and then several tighter wraps to secure.

6. Finish the fly using a whip finish or several half hitches and trim the excess elk hair.

7. Put a small drop of super glue or head cement where the wing attaches to the hook to help secure the

wing further and increase the flies durability.

Materials

Hook: Orvis 4864 Size 12-18

Thread: 3/0 in appropriate color

Shuck: Z-Lon or Antron

Body: Spectrablend Dry Fly

Dubbing

Wing: Elk Hair

Legs: (optional) Small Round

Rubber Legs


Flowing through the town of Renton the Cedar River is truly

an urban fishery. The river hosts a good population of cutthroat and

rainbows that can reach trophy size. 16”-20” fish are not uncommon

and there is always the possibility of a 24”+ fish. The Cedar has

numerous access points to park as well as a trail that follows the river

from Renton to Landsburg. This is a fantastic fishery to hit when you

only have a few hours before or after work.

Streamer fishing is the most effective way to fish for the

rivers trophy fish. Try using a sink tip set up with a decent size

streamer and vary your retrieve to see what the fish are keying in on

any particular day. Fishing streamers will be most productive during

overcast days or low light conditions in the morning or evening. On

sunny days try a double nymph rig with a pats stone or caddis pupa

up top, and trail it with a small pheasant tail. Fish can also be caught

on dry flies when there is a hatch coming off and even on terrestrials

in the heat of the summer.

Being an urban fishery the Cedar is well known for break-ins

on vehicles. Be sure to park in public areas and don’t leave anything

visible in your car. Put any valuables in the trunk and out of sight of

would be thieves.

Overall the Cedar is a great river just minutes from our door.

If you have any questions on access points, fly selection or tactics

don’t hesitate to call us at the shop and we can point you in the right

direction. (425)452-9138.

Recommend Gear Rod: 9’ 4-6wt Reel: To Match Rod Line: Floating & Sink Tip Leaders: 7.5-9’ 3X-5X (Nymphs and Dries) 7.5’ 2X (Streamers) Flies Streamers

Sculpizilla’s

Double Bunny’s

Marabou Muddlers Nymphs

Pat’s Stone

Pheasant Tails

Caddis Pupa

Copper Johns Dries

Elk Hair Caddis

Stimulators

Parachute Adams

Para PMD

Terrestrials (Hoppers, ants, beetles)


Hubbard’s Yellowstone Lodge $2395 September 12

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th 2013

Includes: 4 Nights Lodging, 3 days guided fishing, 15% VIP Discount Card, $500

Orvis Gift Card!!!

Fly Fish and explore one of America’s iconic landscapes with a small group from

Orvis on our Montana fly fishing trip. The lodge has been hosting anglers for years

and has twice been recognized as the Orvis Endorsed Lodge of the Year. Their expert

fly fishing guides are delighted to share some of the best trout streams in the Rockies

with our group, and September is a perfect time to visit the area for some Montana

fly fishing. There’s also horseback riding and other activities for those who don’t fly

fish, so it can be a well-rounded western ranch experience at this Montana fly fishing

lodge. Reggie Harris from Orvis of Bellevue leads this trip. He’ll work with the

friendly lodge staff and expert local guides to make sure everyone has a great

experience.

El Pescador Belize $3695 February 16-22

nd 2014

Includes: 6 nights lodging, 5 days guided fishing, Free H2 rod!!!,

15% Discount Card, All Meals, Local Alcohol

This part of Belize is one of the best places to get a

saltwater “Grand Slam”: bonefish; permit; and tarpon in one day. The

flats are extensive and the lodge is well located so you don’t have to

travel far to be on the fish, although they go on endlessly north to the

border with Mexico. El Pescador caters to fly-fishers, but there are

some great non-angling activities available as well. There’s excellent

snorkeling, an extensive barrier reef, a dive shop and the option to

take excursions to Maya ruins on the mainland.

It’s a good place for your first saltwater trip and there’s

an onsite coach to help you master sight casting on the flats. The large

numbers of bonefish mean you’re chances of success are excellent,

and light tackle gear is available.

Hosted Travel Embark on your next fly fishing adventure with our experienced staff. Hosted trips offer anglers the comfort of knowing

their trip will run as smoothly as possible under the watchful eye of one of our professional staff members. These trips

also give individuals the opportunity to fish destinations near and far for less than when booking on their own. Please feel

free to call us at any time with any questions and to book your next adventure today.

Deschutes River with Deep Canyon Outfitters $1125 October 24

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Join us for a three day wilderness float down the lower Deschutes River with Orvis Endorsed Deep Canyon Outfitters. The

Deschutes is legendary for its steelhead runs with multiple fish days a very common occurrence. On this trip you will camp in

style with spacious tents and first class meals. Package price includes 3 days guided fishing and meals. There are only 5 spots

available on this adventure so be sure to sign up early.