[Greg Moore]

For it's proximity to Seattle (also Yakima and Tri-Cities), the Yak is the best trout stream day in and day out. Could it be better, Yes! What would make it better in my opinion, see below.

In a "perfect" world, Wilson Creek would be cleaned up, the flows out of the dams would be better regulated year around (sorry irrigators!), the inner tubers wouldn't be allowed on the river (or at least relegated to a small section of the river), the river from Rinehart to Roza would be fly fishing only, no salmon would be allowed about Roza Dam and the Canyon Road would be closed to large trucks (especially those that carry hazardous cargo that would be deadly if they had a spill in the river). There would be better enforcement of the regulations (have a F&W officer in the cnayon daily)so that the people that plead ignorance to the regs and keep fish would be ticketed/arrested.

Just a few things that I feel would improve the size and number of fish.

Greg

"In our family, there is no clear
line between religion and fly
fishing" Norman Maclean

 

[Greg Moore]

Keep the salmon /steelhead below Roza Dam and keep the waters above the dam for trout. Though the Yakima below Roza needs a lot of help as well with irrigation/runoff problems, etc.

Greg

"In our family, there is no clear
line between religion and fly
fishing" Norman Maclean

 

[Greg Moore]

To quote Charles Barkley,I may be wrong but I doubt it. The salmon that move back up the Yakima are mostly hatchery fish that the Yakima tribe put into the system a few years ago. From what I've read, these hatchery salmon were not allowed to go over Roza dam this year. I'm not too worried about hatchery salmon spawning. If they were a native run then I'd rethink my original statement!

Greg

"In our family, there is no clear
line between religion and fly
fishing" Norman Maclean

 

[Greg Moore]

I stand corrected if they are indeed "brood stock" fish and not hatchery fish. That said, I'll stick by my statement that the salmon should stay below the dam if there is any chance that there might be a season for salmon fishing on the upper river that might negativelly impact the native trout.

I also would love to see the requirement of a use permit to use the river (similar to the fee paid to float the Deshutes (Oregon), regulate the flows and control the runoff from Wilson Creek (as I stated in an earlier post above). I'd like to see the campers on BLM land regulated and these campsites ("The Slab") set up with some type of toilet facilities, if they're going to allow camping there.

I think that those who fish the Yak regularly would agree that anything that will improve the quality of the water will only enhance the quality of the fishery.

Greg

"In our family, there is no clear
line between religion and fly
fishing" Norman Maclean

 

[Greg Moore]

I have to agree with the "Great Posts" comment! It's really does the heart good to see so many of you who are so passionate about the Yakima. It would be even better to see all of you at the meeting Tuesday, November 12th, 6:00 p.m. at the Ellensburg Inn when the new FFF club is being formed. I realize that the westside guys may not be able to make it but use this link to Worley-Bugger

http://www.worleybuggerflyco.com/FFF_Club_Sign_Up.htm

and let Steve know that you're interested in joining. You don't have to make it to every meeting (or any for that matter) but know your membership dues will be put to a good cause, conserving/preserving the Yakima River (specifically above Roza Dam).

Good luck!

Greg

"In our family, there is no clear
line between religion and fly
fishing" Norman Maclean

 

[Greg Moore]

I stopped in to talk with Steve Worley today before fishing the lower canyon and he agrees that the "brood stock" salmon are still hatchery fish!! He doesn't seem to mind the salmon in the river but he is concerned about when and if there is a season open for fishing them. Also the type of fishing that is allowed (bait/plugs, etc.)

Greg

"In our family, there is no clear
line between religion and fly
fishing" Norman Maclean

 

[Greg Moore]

Fished with Steve Joyce, from Red's today and we caught some cuttbows. I caught 2 cutts both in the lower canyon, below mile post 19.

Didn't know there were any browns about the dam. I've had "experts" tell me there weren't any.

Greg

"In our family, there is no clear
line between religion and fly
fishing" Norman Maclean

 

[Greg Moore]

The one thing that will ruin the trout fishery quickly will be when the "powers to be" feel that the "native runs of salmon and steelhead" are threatened and they close the river to any and all fishing like has been done before on other rivers (ask those who used to fish rivers around the Wenatchee area).

Just my opinion!

Greg

"In our family, there is no clear
line between religion and fly
fishing" Norman Maclean

 

[Greg Moore]

Here's the highlights of an article on NorthWestTrout.com (go there to read the wwhole article).

This could happen real easy on the Yakima with all the truck traffic using the canyon road instead of the freeway.



The Clark Fork River will be monitored for diesel and gasoline after a tanker spilled on October 29th near St. Regis. No major fish kills have been discovered but officials with the U.S. Forest Service and the Montana departments of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and Environmental Quality will continue to monitor the situation.


Greg
"In our family, there is no clear
line between religion and fly
fishing" Norman Maclean