North 40 Fly Shop: The Swing Edition, October 2015

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Thinking About the Methow

Usually when I think about the Methow I'm thinking about fishing the Methow River. Now, after the tragic circumstances in the Methow Valley this summer, that's the last thing on my mind.

First, the Carlton Complex fire was centered in the Methow, destroying some 300 homes. The fire is almost contained, but now recent rains and thunderstorms over the burn area are precipitating mudslides and washouts. In just the past few days 10 more homes have been destroyed by mudslides in the Methow Valley.

That certainly puts fishing in the proper perspective.

Road Trip: The Methow

I hit the road on Friday and drove for awhile along the Columbia to the mouth of the Methow.

I headed up the Methow. I had to pass by a few good spots that already had fishermen in them. But I knew about this spot, and it was deserted.

In January 2011 I had come up here exploring one frigid day as a cure for cabin fever. This is what I found then.

And this is what I found on Friday.

It was a gorgeous day. The river was perfect. I worked over the same rocky run several times with different flies. Prototypes One and Two got a shot. So did some small, dark stoneflies, and a pretty little black and white streamer. It was great fishing.

I finished up looking upstream and wondering what was around that bend...

And then looking downstream and wondering the same thing.

The day had everything except fish. But that may come. I'll certainly be back to try again.

Making Plans For an ESEMRM Trip

River One. The local river, right outside our back door. Still high, fast and muddy.

River Two. The Methow. A bit of a drive, but super beautiful--and fishable.

Time for a road trip.